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Activists Knock Uganda’s Decision To Close UN Office

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2023

Human rights activists have condemned the decision of the Ugandan government to shut down the country’s United Nations Human Rights Office, describing it as “shameful”.

In a letter to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Uganda dated February 3, the foreign affairs ministry said it would not renew the host country agreement it signed with the OHCHR, which established its initial mandate in the country in 2005. The current mandate, signed on February 9, 2020, expires in August.

“The government of Uganda will now continue its cooperation with the OHCHR Headquarters either directly or through its Permanent Mission in Geneva,” the letter reads.

According to the Guardian UK, this development comes less than three months after the UN’s committee against torture adopted the concluding observations on Uganda, which raised concerns that torture and ill-treatment continued to be frequently practised, and called for an investigation and prosecution of security officials accused of excessive use of force, violence and arbitrary detention.

In a tweet, the executive director of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, Adrian Jjuuko said, “The closure of the @UNHumanRightsUG office proves that [the] government has lost all sense of shame. It no longer wants any close international scrutiny of its human rights record.”

“If the protectors are sent away, what then happens to those they were protecting? We are headed for tough times,” he added.

Additionally, Jjuuko declared that “This is unbelievable, and the reasons given by the government are a mockery of the real state of human rights in the country.

“To claim that Uganda no longer needs the office [OHCHR] because of its strong stand for human rights is ironic to say the least.

“A strong stand for human rights would imply opening up to the UN and other actors.”

A Ugandan reggae singer turned opposition leader, Bobi Wine, whose supporters remain in unauthorised places of detention or “safe houses”, said it was no surprise that Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has closed the OHCHR.

“You’ll recall in the aftermath of the 2021 election and the hundreds killed or abducted by the Museveni regime, we petitioned the UN Human Rights Office & the military brutalised journalists right there.

“This UN Office condemned these actions. Not surprising it’s being closed,” Wine said.

Human right activists and advocacy groups have called the decision a “mockery” and accused the government of running from international scrutiny on abuse and protection of human rights.

According to the report, at least 38 local and international staff at the head office in Kampala and two field offices in Gulu and Moroto stand to lose their jobs.

Jjuuko said: “Following closely on the closure of the DGF, this is a scary move which indicates that the government is no longer willing to have its human rights record scrutinised by international actors.

“This leaves local organisations at much more risk of being further silenced and their work curtailed without the government fearing close international security. It is a sad day indeed for the human rights movement in Uganda.”

Related Topics:Uganda UN office in Uganda

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Want To Study Abroad? Here Are 7 Smart Tips To Help You Get Started And Succeed

Published

6 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions any Nigerian student can make. It opens doors to world-class education, international exposure, and better career opportunities.

Contents
1. Set clear goals
2. Choose the right country and school
3. Start your application process early
4. Search for scholarships and funding opportunities
5. Prepare for visa application and travel documents
6. Join a community or connect with alumni
7. Learn basic survival skills

But the process can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What should you prepare? How can you get funding? To make things easier, we’ve put together these 7 simple but powerful tips to study abroad

1. Set clear goals

Before you even pick a country, take time to think about why you want to study abroad. Is it for better quality education, a specific course, or job opportunities after graduation?

Your goals will determine the best destination, school, and course for you. Don’t choose a country just because your friend is there or it sounds fancy. Think long-term.

2. Choose the right country and school

Some countries are better for certain courses. For example, Canada is popular for tech and healthcare courses, Germany is known for engineering, while the UK is great for business and social sciences.

Examine tuition fees, living expenses, work options, and visa rules. Choose what fits your career dreams and financial strength.

3. Start your application process early

One of the biggest mistakes Nigerian students make is waiting too long to apply. Most schools abroad open applications 6–12 months in advance.

You’ll need to prepare transcripts, write a personal statement, get recommendation letters, and sometimes write exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT. Starting early gives you enough time to prepare well and avoid rushed mistakes.

4. Search for scholarships and funding opportunities

Studying abroad is expensive, but many Nigerian students don’t know that there are scholarships. Some are fully funded, while others cover part of your tuition or living costs. Scholarships are competitive, so apply early and make your documents strong.

5. Prepare for visa application and travel documents

After getting admission, your next big step is getting your visa. This part can be stressful if you’re not well-prepared. You’ll need to show proof of admission, financial capability, a passport, and sometimes health checks or police reports.

Always check the specific requirements on the embassy website of your destination country. For example, the UK visa process is different from that of Canada or Australia. Be truthful in your documents, as visa officers can easily spot fraud.

6. Join a community or connect with alumni

It helps a lot to speak with Nigerians who have studied or are studying in your country of choice. You can find these communities on LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), or even WhatsApp groups.

They can guide you on what to expect, what to pack, how to settle down, and how to avoid common mistakes. This real-life advice is often more helpful than what you read online.

7. Learn basic survival skills

Living abroad can shock you if you’re not financially prepared. Learn how to budget, cook your own food, and manage time. Don’t assume you’ll find a job immediately after arriving.

Go with enough funds to cover at least 3 months of expenses. Also, avoid the temptation to live like a big boy or big girl. Focus on your goals.

The journey won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset, proper planning, and useful resources, you’ll be well on your way to building a better future through international education.
(Tribune)

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Ukraine Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Published

7 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

Ukrainian forces have captured a Nigerian national, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was reportedly fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit made up of Russian fighters aligned with Ukraine.

The 29-year-old was said to have been captured in the Zaporizhzhia region after spending five months serving with Russian forces.

Prior to his involvement in the war, Oluwagbemileke had reportedly lived in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges.

The project stated that he agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence, instead of serving time under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code.

“Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the organisation stated.

“We’ve already published data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but that’s only a small part of the foreigners the Kremlin has sent to die in Ukraine. All of them are cheap manpower, which is not spared.”

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Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Convicted Of Raping Incapacitated Woman

Published

20 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

An Oregon jury found former Houston Rockets guard Ben McLemore guilty on Thursday of raping a woman in while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021.

Deliberations lasting around 10 hours after an 11-day trial concluded with the jury in Clackamas County finding McLemore, 32, guilty on one charge of first-degree rape, one charge of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse.

McLemore pleaded not guilty to all four counts before the verdict. His sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9.

The charges stem from a report of sexual assault in Lake Oswego, Oregon, on Oct. 3, 2021. McLemore was identified as a suspect during a police investigation.

A Clackamas County grand jury heard evidence in the case in February 2024, which included testimony from the woman who said McLemore assaulted her. He was indicted and an arrest warrant was issued, according to Lake Oswego police. McLemore was arrested by U.S. Marshalls two months later.

Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy reportedly told jurors the victim found herself being sexually assaulted by McLemore while partially conscious the morning after a party.

Healy said that the victim had been drinking heavily at the party and had passed out on a living room couch at the party around 2 a.m.

McLemore’s attorneys reportedly disputed the victim’s account, claiming she had initiated sexual contact with McLemore and had consented to it. They also claimed that despite the victim and McLemore both being intoxicated, the victim was sober enough to consent.

McLemore played parts of two seasons with the Rockets from 2019-2021. He was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft out of Kansas and played for five teams across nine NBA seasons. After playing the 2021-2022 season with the Trail Blazers, McLemore went overseas to continue his playing career. He has played for teams in China, Greece, Spain and Turkey over the last three years.