The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, has criticised the worsening state of human rights in Uganda, warning that persistent abuses are damaging the government’s image and weakening public trust in state institutions.
He made the remarks on June 26, 2026, while presiding over the 44th anniversary celebrations of St. John’s Secondary School in Muduuma, Mpigi District.
The event also marked the launch of a reconstruction project for the school’s girls’ dormitory, which was recently destroyed in a fire.
Addressing students, parents and clergy, Dr. Ssemogerere called on security and law enforcement officers to exercise restraint and respect the rights and dignity of citizens.
“Power is not eternal,” the Archbishop said. “Those who misuse their authority today to persecute, harass, and suppress dissenting voices should remember that they, too, will eventually answer for their actions. Authority is a transient responsibility, and the consequences of tyranny follow one beyond the office.”
He expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking democratic space, warning that the suppression of political opposition had become increasingly routine. He said genuine leadership should be defined by tolerance of differing views rather than silencing dissent.
The Archbishop also linked Uganda’s social and governance challenges to what he described as weaknesses in the rule of law, pointing to corruption, impunity and abuse of vulnerable citizens as major drivers of public discontent.
“We are witnessing a period where the government’s image is rapidly declining in the eyes of its own citizens,” he said.
“When citizens see the law being applied selectively—targeting some while ignoring others—the social contract is broken. You see criminals roaming free while others are unfairly targeted based on their political leanings or economic status.”
He further warned against selective justice, saying it fuels public frustration and undermines confidence in institutions tasked with enforcing the law.
Despite his criticism, Ssemogerere’s message also carried a note of hope, delivered in the context of the school’s anniversary celebrations and the launch of the dormitory reconstruction project. He commended the Catholic Church’s long-standing role in education and urged continued support for rebuilding efforts.
He called on the public to contribute towards the construction of the new girls’ dormitory, stressing the importance of restoring facilities that support vulnerable learners.
The Archbishop concluded by urging government to pursue dialogue and reconciliation rather than confrontation, and to prioritise transparent governance as a way of rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
The event also highlighted 44 years of St. John’s Secondary School’s service in education, with the Church reaffirming its commitment to youth development and institutional resilience.
