In a night that mixed joy with defiance, Praise Aloikin Opoloje was honoured with the 2025 European Union Human Rights Defenders Award in Uganda, joining a celebrated group of individuals who have dared to confront injustice head-on.
The ceremony, held at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Kampala, was attended by diplomats, civil society leaders, and veteran rights advocates, all gathered to recognise the power of principled resistance.
Aloikin, known for her relentless activism and razor-sharp public advocacy, was selected for her outstanding efforts in promoting human rights across Uganda.
Her work cuts across grassroots mobilisation, legal and policy advocacy, and a fearless challenge to entrenched power structures—especially on issues affecting women and marginalised communities.
As she accepted the award, Praise wasted no time softening her stance.
“I hope the award won’t be revoked because I will tell the EU the bitter truth,” she quipped, drawing laughter and applause.
But her message was serious: a pointed call for accountability and integrity from international partners who often fall short of their own ideals.
Her speech, full of clarity and conviction, underscored her refusal to sanitise reality for the sake of ceremony.
Prominent rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo, himself a 2015 recipient of the award, led the chorus of praise on social media.
“Congratulations @AloikinOpoloje on being named the @EUinUG Human Rights Defender of the year,” he posted.
“Your resolve, resilience, and courage are unmatched by many in your generation. May you continue to soar and defy your doubters.”
Since its inception, the EU Human Rights Defenders Award has spotlighted Ugandans making courageous contributions to justice, often in hostile environments.

Among past recipients are Stella Nyanzi (2020), known for her fearless advocacy for free expression and women’s rights; Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) (2018), which provides legal aid for LGBTQ+ communities; and Rosebell Kagumire (2022), a feminist editor celebrated for amplifying African women’s voices.
With her inclusion among this esteemed list, Aloikin becomes the latest symbol of Uganda’s enduring human rights movement—young, bold, and unwilling to be silenced.
Her advocacy, rooted in both community realities and strategic policy engagement, has made her a vital voice in a country where dissent often comes at a cost.
In recognising Aloikin, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to defending those who defend others. Yet the message she delivered was clear: solidarity must be more than symbolic.
As human rights defenders across the globe face growing repression, their international allies must do more than applaud bravery—they must act with equal urgency and honesty.
Aloikin’s win is more than a personal accolade. It is a declaration that even in an increasingly fraught civic space, resistance lives on.
And with her blend of activism, intellect, and sharp wit, Praise Aloikin Opoloje is proving that the truth, when spoken without fear, still has the power to shake foundations.