A/HRC/19/16
66.
While Uganda had signed the Optional Protocol to CAT, consultations were still
ongoing with various stakeholders on its ratification. The Anti-Torture Bill was before
Parliament.
67.
On illegal detention, Uganda had experienced an unprecedented wave of terrorism
around 1998 and 2000. All detention centres were gazetted and accessible to the general
public. Article 23, paragraph 4, of the Constitution provided for a maximum period of 48
hours within which a suspect must be produced in court where he or she can apply for a
writ of habeas corpus. A law enforcement actor acting outside these provisions would be
personally liable for his actions. The police had measures in place to ensure that
preliminary investigations were undertaken prior to the arrest of a suspect to comply with
that Constitutional requirement.
68.
Regarding the non-prosecution of officers, the delegation stated that that was a
baseless assertion when considering that 36 police officers of the Rapid Response Unit had
been charged in court for various torture-related offences.
69.
As compensation claims were not predictable, they could not be fully budgeted for.
In most cases, they were beyond the resources provided for in the budgets during a specific
year, warranting them to be carried forward. Where resources were available claims were
paid on a first-in, first-out basis, and a Compensation Committee had been established to
handle the awards.
70.
On health, the delegation reported that the Government had proposed the National
Health Insurance Scheme in order to improve the internal mobilization of resources with
formal and private sector contributions.
71.
With regard to dilapidated health facilities and Regional Referral Hospitals, a capital
development fund averaging 1.5 billion Ugandan shillings annually since the 2008/9 fiscal
year was provided for construction, equipment, and staff transport.
72.
On LGBTI persons, any individual who felt his or her rights had been infringed by
the provisions of the law was free to go to court for redress or to initiate a process for the
amendment of specific provisions of the law. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was before
Parliament. As for the plight of human rights defenders, the delegation stated that the
Government did not condone violence against anyone. There was no evidence to
corroborate the assertion that those who had left were being targeted. Regarding LGBTI
organizations, Uganda laws did not discriminate against any organization wishing to
register. What was important was that such an organization must meet the criteria as
provided for in the NGO Registration (Amendment) Act 2009.
73.
Regarding health-related discrimination, the delegation indicated that the HIV policy
of Uganda was not discriminatory. According to laws and medical ethics, medical
practitioners were under obligation not to discriminate and/or disclose personal medical
records to third parties.
74.
Rwanda noted with satisfaction the efforts in areas such as education, the rights of
the child, women‟s rights, and the right to health. It noted the ratification by Uganda of
many international and regional instruments. It also acknowledged the State‟s efforts in
facing identified challenges and constraints in the promotion, protection and realization of
human rights. Rwanda made recommendations.
75.
Slovenia asked Uganda what measures had been taken: (a) to prevent malaria,
tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS; (b) to stop the widespread discrimination against persons with
disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunities; and (c) to prevent child abuse and
rehabilitate children who had been used in hostilities. Slovenia expressed concern at gender
inequality and harmful traditional practices. Slovenia made recommendations.
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