The Protection of Human Rights in Uganda: Public Awareness and Perceptions

Abstract

This article analyzes the results of a research study in Uganda aimed at determining the level of public awareness and the perceptions regarding the protection and enjoyment of such rights. The survey sought information on public knowledge or awareness of the bill of rights, violation or protection of various types of rights, and awareness and perceptions regarding human rights institutions. It was found that although human rights violations still abound in Uganda, there is a high level of public awareness of the Constitution and the human rights it contains, that human rights violations take place more in the rural areas than in urban areas and that Ugandans blame the government for most of these human rights violations. The article concludes that there are still several challenges facing the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda and that any attempts to address these challenges must take advantage of the opportunities offered by the constitutional framework.