By Barbara Nansiimbi
The Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Adv. Mariam Wangadya, has called for Uganda’s tenfold economic growth strategy to prioritise people’s welfare, dignity, and equal opportunities, noting that economic progress must translate into better lives for ordinary Ugandans.
She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Makerere Human Rights Expo 2026.
Wangadya said economic growth should be measured not only by what the country produces but also by how its people live.
“Economic growth tells us how much a country produces. Human rights tell us how its people live. We must pursue both,” she said.
Speaking under the theme “Human Rights in Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy: The Gen Z,” Wangadya acknowledged progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and access to electricity but noted that development remains incomplete if citizens continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and barriers to justice.
She highlighted young people’s expectations, including access to employment, affordable education, meaningful participation in decision-making, and institutions that listen to their concerns.
The country’s human rights watchdog supremo called for greater involvement of young people in decisions affecting their future but however, reminded them to exercise their freedoms responsibly.
She also raised concerns about delayed justice, prolonged detention, violence against women and children, corruption, and unequal access to public services.
“The UHRC is committed to addressing human rights violations and ensuring that constitutional guarantees translate into everyday realities. A right written in the Constitution but denied in everyday life is a promise awaiting fulfilment,” she said, urging government institutions to accept scrutiny and all stakeholders to promote accountability and respect for human rights.
Meanwhile, H.E Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the Head of the Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation, and Chief Guest at the Expo, noted that societies that respect human rights create an environment conducive to investment.
She added that development without respect for human rights is unstable, while observing that economic, social, and cultural rights often r more complex implementation challenges than civil and political rights.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of Philosophy, explained the significance of the Expo, saying it allows students to reflect on human rights and enables partners to showcase their efforts in promoting and protecting them.
The Head of Department, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya, noted that the Expo, which began in 2015, seeks to deepen students’ understanding of human rights, encourage young people to engage in human rights work, and expose them to experiences from other countries.
During the event, the Chairperson, the Chief Guest, among other leaders, visited exhibition stalls where students showcased innovations aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.
Other guests included university lecturers, civil society organisations, development partners, secondary school students, and students pursuing Ethics and Human Rights at Makerere University.
The Expo highlighted the importance of placing human dignity and people’s welfare at the centre of Uganda’s economic transformation, with young people playing an active role in shaping the country’s future.
