African Commission session highlights human rights in Malawi and Uganda

During the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights session in Banjul, The Gambia, representatives from Malawi and Uganda presented contrasting reports regarding human rights and civic space.

Malawi’s delegation, led by Angela Kaunda, highlighted the country’s democratic progress, including a peaceful transition of power following the September 2025 general elections. Key legislative reforms mentioned include the Prisons Act of 2025, which introduced parole and rehabilitation, and the Mental Health Act, which adopted a rights-based approach. While noting progress in maternal health and disability inclusion, the delegation acknowledged challenges such as inmate nutrition, noting that nearly 80 percent of prisoners receive only one meal daily.

In contrast, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) raised alarms regarding the shrinking civic space in Uganda. The network reported that women journalists, lawyers, and activists are facing increased repression through criminalization, surveillance, and intimidation. WHRDN-U stated that between 2020 and 2024, they verified over 260 attacks against women defenders, noting that state harassment and anti-gender movements are increasingly being used to silence advocacy and demand accountability.