The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) has joined forces with SML News UG in a collaborative effort to push for the abolition of the death penalty in Uganda. FHRI, a non-governmental human rights advocacy organization based in Nsambya, Kampala, has been at the forefront of advocating for penal reform and abolishing the death penalty since 2003. With the support of SML News, the campaign now seeks to reach a broader audience and create greater awareness about the need for a justice system rooted in dignity and human rights.
A Campaign Rooted in Advocacy and Awareness
The abolition campaign by FHRI focuses on raising awareness about the death penalty’s impact on human rights, advocating for alternative sentences such as life imprisonment, and lobbying for policy reforms that align Uganda’s legal framework with international standards. The 2005 ruling by Uganda’s Constitutional Court declared the death penalty constitutional but removed mandatory death sentences and limited the time on death row to three years. Despite the legal battles, there remain 28 offenses, including both civilian and military, punishable by the death penalty in Uganda—the highest number in East Africa.
According to Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana, the Executive Director of FHRI, the death penalty is a cruel and outdated form of punishment. He said, “The right to life is an inalienable human right, and it is high time our justice system reflects that truth. Our campaign aims to make Uganda a country where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity and humanity.”
Since the launch of the campaign, FHRI has worked tirelessly to establish a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for the abolition of the death penalty in Uganda. Every year, on October 10th, FHRI commemorates the World Day against the Death Penalty with a series of events, including visits to death row inmates, panel discussions, and educational campaigns. This year’s theme, “The Death Penalty Protects No One: Abolish it Now,” emphasizes the importance of ending capital punishment as a way to ensure a compassionate justice system.
A Media Partnership for Change
SML News UG, an online media and communications consultancy company, is proud to partner with FHRI in this vital campaign. As part of its corporate social responsibility, SML News has committed to using its media platform to support and amplify the abolition campaign.
Speaking about the partnership, Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaya, CEO of SML News, expressed his support for the cause: “The death penalty is a deeply inhumane practice that does not belong in a civilized society. Our role at SML News is to amplify the voices of those advocating for abolition and engage the public through our traditional media, social media, and audio-visual productions. We believe in the importance of promoting human rights, dignity, and justice, and we are committed to using our platform for social good.”
Through this collaboration, SML News will produce and broadcast informative content that highlights the human stories behind the death penalty, shedding light on its devastating effects on individuals, families, and society. The media house will also publicize the campaign’s key messages and events and engage the Ugandan public in meaningful conversations about capital punishment and penal reform.
A Call to Action
Globally, more than 112 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, but Uganda still retains it, with 104 people currently on death row. FHRI and SML News are committed to changing this through advocacy, education, and policy influence.
“The death penalty does not serve justice, nor does it protect the public,” added Dr. Ssewanyana. “Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of violence and violates the very core of human rights. We call on Ugandans to support the abolition movement and work towards a more just society where every life is valued.”
Conclusion
The partnership between FHRI and SML News marks an important step in the ongoing campaign to abolish the death penalty in Uganda. Together, they aim to create a society where justice is not about retribution but about rehabilitation and upholding human rights. The campaign urges all Ugandans to join the movement for a compassionate and humane justice system—one that values every life and seeks alternatives to capital punishment.
