The world is currently gripped in the throes of the gruesome corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Globally, as of April 6 2020, John Hopkins University reported that we had a total of 1,292,564
confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 70,798 deaths and quickly climbing. The COVID-19, said to
have emanated from Wuhan in China and is rapidly traversing the world with thousands of cases
and deaths seen in Italy, Spain and the United States. It is believed a surge of cases will be
experienced in Africa as well. Uganda according to the Ministry of Health, had confirmed 52 cases
without any fatalities as at April 6 2020. The government has announced and put in several
mitigation measures to stop the spread of the invisible deadly enemy COVID-19. These include
inter alia stay at home orders, avoidance of large gathering, social distancing, regular washing of
hands and a 7 pm to 6am curfew. The swift actions taken by President Museveni and the Ministry
of Health are commendable. However, there are critical human rights issues that should borne in
mind during this emergency period.
It is vital that the well-intended and much needed life saving measures are implemented taking
fully cognizance of the inherent dignity fundamental to the well-being of all Ugandans. All the
frontline actors should demonstrate respect for human dignity in the battle against this dreaded
COVID-19 albeit the evident perilous circumstances we are in. For example, the mainstream and
social media reported cases of severe beatings and assaults allegedly occasioned by Local Defence
Unit (LDU) personnel deployed to enforce the night curfew. Many, including journalists have
reportedly fallen victim. While President Museveni has strongly castigated this, it is imperative
that the LDUs are continuously and sufficiently guided by Article 20 (1) of the Constitution of
Uganda 1995 ( as amended) which mandates them to respect, uphold and promote human rights.
Security agencies are providing a vital law and order service, which we appreciate, however they
need to do so without excess and brutality. Such cruel and inhumane behavior is not only wrong
but serves to further traumatize already traumatized people. By the same token, Ugandans have
a corresponding duty to be responsible and adhere to the health advisory in place. We all need to
be responsible in this battle.
Equality and freedom from discrimination is absolutely essential in terms of how the
measures are rolled out and implemented. For example no one should be excluded from
government support under the ongoing food distribution program on account of, for
example sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic
standing, political opinion or disability. This is perhaps in present times more acute in the
health, education, economic and labor sectors. In this regard the standard operating
procedures and measures announced by the various ministries, department and agencies
as well as the Statutory Instruments (SI) issued under the Public Health Act Cap 281 are
welcome. It is important that these and those to come are anchored in a human rights
framework. A human rights based approach to COVID-19 calls for putting in place social
and economic safety nets for those that will be affected in for example the labour market.
Evidently, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing uncertainty and apprehension even beyond
Uganda. This has been exacerbated by several rumors, remedies and conspiracy theories
especially on social media. Providing access to information during this period is perhaps
one of the most important duties the government can perform. It is therefore absolutely
essential that accurate, credible, accessible, understandable and timely information is
provided to all by the government. In this respect the regular briefings by President
Museveni, Ministry of Health and recently the Ministry of Education and Sports are
appreciated. Access to the truth and credible information during this time is vital to allay
the fears of people. This duty also extends to all public official as well as citizens. We
should therefore insulate ourselves from information overload out there and try as much
as possible stick to credible official sources. We have to take care of our own safety and
wellness during this war.
The COVID-19 pandemic will no doubt come to an end. As we battle the virus, there is
need to do so in a human rights friendly manner. This is a time we that should all harness
our efforts to fight this enemy in a responsible manner. We have a duty to stay safe and
together we can. We shall overcome COVID-19.
Dr. Donald Rukare is CANA Vice President, FINA Bureau Member, a human rights expert and Chief of Party at Freedom House Uganda. drukare@freedomhouse.org.
