WE ARE STILL PRISONERS OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

During a human rights and conflict management training, Foot Peace Ambassadors (FPAs) revealed that,“We have been able to understand that rights are not in the hands of one person but universal” 

The training was organized by RIC-NET at Vanilla hotel, Bundibugyo town on the 4^th and 5^th of May, 2017. The training attracted 20 (8F,12M) participants, (ToTs) from the sub counties of Kirumya, Ntotoro, Ngamba, Kasitu and Bubukwanga and staff from the cultural institutions.

Thetraining aimed at creating a clear understanding of rights, actors in protection and promotion of rights , roles and duties of community, the entire aspect of the law, analysis of the violation in relation to the actors and people most affected. Emphasis was put on chapter 4 of the Uganda constitution 1995 which stipulates the rights of Ugandans and other international human rights instruments such as the UDHR, ICESCER and ICCPR. Special emphasis was on the rights of women with the inernationall instrument as CEDAW, children in the CRC and other minority groups.

The FBOs asserted that, "we are still prisoners of certain individuals who claim to be custodians of rights which is as a result of dishonesty from leaders."
They further observed that people are not empowered and therefore cannnot speak out on the injustices that occur in the community. There is lack of awareness of the law. Participants highlighted articles 23,224,28,37,38 and 41 of the Ugandan constitution which are commonly abused by those in authority since communities are not explicitly aware of them and how the same can protect their freedom and liberty.

The participants also observed the high levels of gender inequality as a catalyst for violation of human rights. They further that the custodians of the laws use the ignorance of the law aspect to violate the rights of individuals. They agreed to sensitize the community using all available means to ensure people understand the basics of the law in relation to rights and freedoms.