| Uganda, a landlocked East African country within the Great Lakes region, is an important regional actor with a young and highly diverse population. Kampala, its capital and largest city, is the main center of governance, economic activity, higher education, and international engagement. The 1995 Constitution provides a relatively broad framework for fundamental rights and freedoms, including equality before the law, freedom of expression and assembly, non-discrimination, and the rights of women and children, while Uganda is also party to major regional and international human rights instruments. Human rights assessments, however, continue to highlight concerns over civic and political space, media freedom, the rights of political opponents, and the protection of vulnerable groups. At the same time, Uganda’s open refugee policy and participation in humanitarian, peace, and security initiatives have given it an important role in linking human rights, forced migration, international protection, and regional stability. |
