DHRLab & StartHub Africa Jubilate 3 Years of Success in Next Chapter Event

In her opening remarks, DHRL's representative, Isabel highlighted the amazing outcomes of DHRL programmes such as the CoPs, Innovation Program and podcast despite the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. She congratulated and further extended appreciation for their support, commitment, hard work and passion towards Human Rights and their protection in this digital age since inception in 2019, attributes which have continued to shape them to date and will continue to birth a sustainable and impactful community in the coming phase of DHRL.

Mohammed Kimbuggwe, the Technical Advisor at DHRL emphasized in his presentation on the future outlook of Human Rights in Uganda as digital especially post COVID-19. Despite the presence of online violence and greater risks of widening gaps especially for minority and vulnerable communities, this also presents an opportunity in the increase of demand for digital skills, literacy and trainings as well as organisational restructuring in alignment with goals in accordance to the digitalization era. Mohammed called for collaborations, communication, research and advocacy which should be inclusive of marginalized groups so that no one is left behind during this digital revolution.

The 5 CoPs which are the core in network-building of the DHRL community with over 200 members; Digital Security, Cyber Laws and Regulations, Digital Inclusion, Innovations for Rural Development and ICT 4 Advocacy were also opportuned to share highlights of their activities. Followed by an exciting showcase of digital solutions by the winning teams of DHRL's Innovation Program who aspired to address challenges faced by Human Rights Defenders in Uganda, and thus enable them to execute their work in better, more efficient and safe ways. These included the KuchuCare App, a creation by Let's Walk Uganda which has recently been awarded among the 7 recipients of this year's CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards.

An informative panel discussion kick-started the afternoon of this event under the theme of the day, with a special focus on the current state of human rights Vs digital transformation in the country, challenges and opportunities of Digital Human Rights work, importance of synergies and COPs along with the next step(s) of the DHRL community. To crown up the auspicious occasion was a digital exhibition and cake cutting by partners and engagement leads of DHRL community.

At Kuchu Times, we congratulate the DHRL community on their great work that ensured inclusion in opportunities and safety for all including our LGBTQ in Uganda and look forward to a continuous fruitful partnership in the next chapter! For more information on programs and activities of DHRL, check them out on; https://digitalhumanrightslab.org/