Sunday, June 22, 2025 – (HAN)
Over the years, many human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists have sought refuge in Uganda after fleeing threats, violence, and political instability in their home countries. Forced to abandon their careers and families, many now live in exile under harsh and uncertain conditions.
Background
Several countries in the East and Horn of Africa — especially Somalia — remain among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists and HRDs.
Numerous media professionals and activists have been targeted, attacked, or even killed simply for speaking the truth or defending fundamental rights. The ongoing presence of armed groups, political unrest, and weak institutions has made it nearly impossible for them to work safely in their home countries.
As a result, many have risked their lives to escape, embarking on perilous journeys to countries like Uganda — and in some cases, seeking asylum in more distant parts of the world.
Life in Uganda
Uganda has become a temporary safe haven for some of these HRDs and journalists. However, life in exile presents a new set of serious challenges:
- Living in Refugee Conditions: Most HRDs and journalists are registered as refugees and live in extremely difficult conditions, often lacking proper housing, healthcare, and access to education.
- Separation from Families: Many have been separated from their loved ones — including spouses, parents, siblings, and children — for years, with limited hope for reunion.
- Continued Threats: Even in exile, some journalists continue to receive threats from the same actors who forced them to flee. Fear of surveillance or targeted attacks remains a constant concern.
- Limited Employment Opportunities: Legal restrictions, language barriers, and Uganda’s limited media and NGO sectors prevent many from resuming their careers in journalism or activism.
Key Challenges Faced by Journalists and HRDs in Uganda
1. Fear and Insecurity
Despite having found refuge, many still live in fear of forced return or renewed targeting by hostile actors.
2. Lack of Resources
Meeting basic needs — such as food, shelter, and healthcare — remains a daily struggle. Access to education, training, or professional development is extremely limited.
3. Ongoing Regional Conflict
Instability in countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo makes returning home unsafe and unthinkable for many exiled journalists and HRDs.
4. Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and HRDs
In many home countries, crimes such as threats, harassment, arbitrary detention, and murder of journalists and activists go unpunished. This widespread impunity fosters a deep sense of injustice and abandonment.
Support and Capacity Building
Organizations such as the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (DefendDefenders) have played a key role in providing essential support. Their programs include:
- Training and capacity-building for journalists and HRDs in exile
- Legal and psychosocial assistance
- Regional and international advocacy to strengthen protection mechanisms
However, the demand for these services far exceeds the available resources, leaving many without the help they urgently need.
Toward Durable Solutions
There is an urgent need to prioritize the long-term protection of HRDs and journalists living in exile. International agencies — including UNHCR, foreign embassies, and global human rights organizations — must give special consideration to their cases.
Durable solutions such as third-country resettlement, local integration, and family reunification are essential to helping these individuals rebuild their lives in dignity and safety.
Conclusion
Being a refugee is never easy — and for journalists and human rights defenders in exile, the journey is marked by profound sacrifice, constant fear, and enduring resilience.
Their stories deserve global recognition. Their protection must be a humanitarian and human rights priority.
