KAMPALA – Anna Lomonyang, a human rights defender from Napak district in the Karamoja region, has dedicated her life to fighting for the land rights of vulnerable communities. “I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of land grabbing on our communities,” Anna said. “It’s our land, our heritage, and our future. We will not let it be taken away from us without a fight.”
As a passionate advocate for the rights of marginalized people, Anna has faced numerous challenges and threats, but remains determined to continue her work. Anna’s journey as a human rights defender began in 2016, when she started attending meetings and advocating for the rights of her community. She soon realized that land grabbing was a major issue in Karamoja, with wealthy individuals and companies taking advantage of vulnerable people to acquire land.
“I was shocked by the scale of land grabbing in Karamoja,” Anna said. “It was like a cancer, eating away at the very fabric of our communities. I knew I had to do something to stop it.”
Despite facing threats and intimidation, Anna continued to advocate for the rights of her community. She worked with the Land Inquiry Commission and used social media platforms to raise awareness about land rights issues in Karamoja.
“The biggest challenge I face is the lack of support from our leaders,” Anna said. “They often prioritize the interests of wealthy investors over the rights of our communities. But I will not be silenced. I will continue to speak out for the rights of our people.”
One of Anna’s most notable successes was her work on a case involving a tycoon who had grabbed land from over 2,000 people. Anna worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the tycoon, eventually succeeding in having the land returned to its rightful owners.
“It was a huge victory for our community,” Anna said. “But it’s not just about winning cases. It’s about creating a movement for change. We need to empower our communities to stand up for their rights and demand justice.”
Anna’s work has touched the lives of many people in Karamoja. She estimates that she has helped over 2,000 people to regain control of their land. Her work has also helped to raise awareness about land rights issues in Karamoja and to promote the rights of marginalized communities.
“I believe that everyone deserves to have their rights respected and protected,” Anna said. “It’s not just about land rights. It’s about human dignity. We will continue to fight for our rights, no matter the challenges we face.”
Anna and other human rights defenders on Monday, December 9, joined the world to commemorate International Human Rights Defenders Day.
Robert Ssempala, Executive Director at Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda, stresses that human rights defenders are the frontline protectors of human rights, playing a crucial role in promoting and defending these rights.
According to him, “Human rights defenders are the frontline protectors of human rights, and their work is crucial in promoting and defending these rights.”
Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding constraints, intimidation, and violence, Ssempala emphasizes the importance of continuing to defend human rights, even in the face of adversity.
Ssempala also highlights the importance of journalists in promoting and defending human rights. “Journalists operate under immense fear and there are very high levels of censorship,” he notes. As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, Ssempala advises journalists to be resilient, professional, and prepared, and to prioritize their safety and security.
He further emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of human rights defenders and promoting their work.
“The spirit of the law is bad. The powerful fence themselves off from the ordinary citizens that are out there watching and not able to track their progress of things or raise red flags through the different social media platforms,” Ssempala explains.
“We call on the government to take concrete steps to protect human rights defenders and to hold accountable those who commit human rights abuses.”
The event was officiated by Danish Ambassador to Uganda, Signe A. Wind. She praised the work of human rights defenders in Uganda and emphasized the importance of protecting their rights.
“Human rights defenders are the backbone of any democratic society,” Ambassador Wind said. “They are the ones who speak truth to power, who stand up for justice, and who fight for the rights of marginalized communities. We must do everything in our power to protect and support them.”
Robert Kirenga, Team Lead at the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U), acknowledged the diversity of human rights defenders, including teachers, students, political activists, factory workers, journalists, lawyers, judges, and environmentalists.
“These individuals have taken injustice personally and raised their voices for human rights, often attracting reprisals from both state and non-state actors,” Kirenga said. “Today’s theme, ‘Defending Rights: Shaping our Future Together,’ serves as a reminder of our collective obligation to hold states accountable for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights.”
In a special way, Kirenga commended two individuals, Mr. Percy Mulumba and Mr. Mwalimu Crispus, who have demonstrated remarkable courage in advocating for human rights. Their stories highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting human rights defenders who often work without formal recognition or compensation.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to human rights defenders who had made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda.
“We will not be silenced,” Kirenga said. “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak out for justice, for equality, and for human rights. We will continue to defend the rights of marginalized communities, no matter the cost.”
Ssempala nodded in agreement. “We are not just human rights defenders. We are the conscience of our society. We are the ones who remind our leaders of their obligations to protect and promote human rights. We will continue to do our work, no matter what challenges we face.”
