Uganda has stated that it will not be renewing the mandate of the United Nations human rights office, the Ugandan government argues that it has sufficient capacity to monitor rights compliance.
On 3 February, the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The letter cites Uganda's progress regarding developing a domestic capacity for monitoring rights as the primary driver behind its decision not to renew the OHCHR mandate.
The letter states that "the ministry wishes to convey the government's decision not to renew the mandate of the OHCHR Country office in Uganda beyond the current term."
President Yoweri Museveni's government has faced heavy criticism by the opposition, human rights activists, and Western nations for several human rights violations including illegal detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opponents and critics.
Officials in Uganda have denied the majority of accusations levied against them, stating that security forces implicated in human rights abuses have been held accountable.
The letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the government has gained a sufficient commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.
According to the Ministry, there is "peace throughout the country, coupled with strong national human rights institutions and a vibrant civil society."
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