UPDF Commits to Protecting Human Rights, Enhanced Relationship with Media

By Kampala Post Reporter

The UPDF Chief of Defense Forces Gen David Muhoozi has expressed the army’s commitment to protecting human rights.

The CDF made the commitment on Thursday while meeting the Executive Director of Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, Robert Ssempala at the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.

The two discussed cooperation in improving journalism standards as well as creating a harmonious relationship between the army and the media, through improved channels of communication. The UPDF Leadership established a fully-fledged human rights directorate that works with organizations in order to enhance UPDF's capacity to promote human rights.

Gen Muhoozi stressed that UPDF cherishes the strong strategic partnership with the media in the course of executing its functions as laid out in the Constitution. The CDF further noted that UPDF’s focus is to continue improving that relationship, built over time with the people, adding that this will largely be through relentless efforts to create an environment through which people can realize full rights.

“It is noteworthy that there are no genuine cases of offenses or abuses by soldiers which get reported and go unpunished,” Gen Muhoozi emphasized, adding that action is always taken on all cases of abuse reported, although not always publicized.

On the other hand, Ssempala and his team commended UPDF for the contribution it continues to make towards ensuring peace, security, and stability of the country. “This kind of devotion has a lot to do with hard work, discipline, and sacrifice on your part and every member of your team,” he noted.

Ssempala further lauded UPDF for the discipline, noting that this has not only given people the confidence to associate with the soldiers but also to create further collaboration and partnerships in ensuring a community that is embracive of human rights. He expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for always endeavoring to provide support to media practitioners caught up in situations where security forces are countering violence.

He asked for a strengthened working relationship between the UPDF and the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda.