The Archbishop of the Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, has raised concerns over what he described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Uganda, warning that continued abuses are tarnishing the government’s reputation and weakening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
Archbishop Ssemogerere made the remarks on Friday while presiding over celebrations marking the 44th anniversary of St. John’s Secondary School Muduuma in Muduuma. The event also served as the launch of a fundraising campaign to rebuild the school’s girls’ dormitory, which was recently destroyed by fire.
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Addressing students, parents, religious leaders and members of the community, the Archbishop urged security agencies and law enforcement officers to uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens, cautioning against the misuse of state authority.
“Power is not eternal,” he said, noting that individuals who employ their positions to intimidate, harass or suppress opposing voices should remember that they will eventually be held accountable for their actions.
The prelate expressed concern over what he called a shrinking democratic space, saying the silencing of political opponents had become increasingly common. He argued that effective leadership should accommodate differing opinions rather than seek to eliminate them.
Archbishop Ssemogerere linked growing public dissatisfaction to perceived weaknesses in the rule of law, citing corruption, impunity and the mistreatment of vulnerable groups as factors fueling frustration among citizens.
“We are witnessing a period where the government’s image is rapidly declining in the eyes of its own citizens,” he said.
He further criticised what he described as selective application of the law, arguing that unequal treatment before the justice system undermines confidence in institutions mandated to protect the public.
“When citizens see the law being applied selectively—targeting some while ignoring others—the social contract is broken. You see criminals roaming free while others are unfairly targeted based on their political leanings or economic status,” he added.
Despite his criticism of governance and human rights practices, the Archbishop delivered a message of optimism, commending the Catholic Church’s longstanding contribution to education and community development.
He appealed to well-wishers and members of the public to support efforts to reconstruct the girls’ dormitory, saying the facility is vital for the welfare and safety of learners, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also called on government leaders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as a means of addressing political and social divisions, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential for rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
The anniversary celebrations highlighted four decades of service by St. John’s Secondary School in nurturing young people, with church leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening educational institutions and supporting youth development.
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