The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has sought an additional Shs1.5 billion to support capacity building for newly elected Local Council leaders on the Human Rights-Based Approach, in a move aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening accountability at the grassroots level.
The request was presented by John Teira, Vice Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, during the presentation of the report on the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement for the Commission.
Teira said Local Council leaders play a central role in community mobilisation, oversight, and service delivery, but often assume office without adequate training in human rights principles.
“The newly elected local council leaders play a critical role in service delivery, community mobilization and oversight at grass root level. However, many of them assume office without adequate knowledge and practical skills in the Human Rights Based Approach which is essential for inclusive, accountable and people-centered governance,” he said.
He added that the funding would support a nationwide programme designed to equip leaders with knowledge and tools to integrate human rights principles into their daily governance responsibilities.
“The requested funds will support a nationwide capacity-building programme aimed at equipping local council leaders with knowledge, skills and tools to integrate human rights principles,” he said.
The Commission also requested an additional Shs 500 million to upgrade its Moyo field office into a regional office, a move intended to strengthen human rights service delivery in the North West Nile region. Parliament approved both requests.
In the 2026/27 financial year, the UHRC’s budget is set at Shs33.073 billion, reflecting a marginal increase of Shs100 million, or 0.3 percent, from the previous fiscal year’s approved budget of Shs32.973 billion.
However, budget performance reports for the first half of FY2025/26 indicated implementation challenges, with only Shs14.034 billion, representing 42.6 percent of the annual budget, absorbed by December 2025.
