Kampala, Uganda — The European Union Delegation in Uganda has released the shortlist for the 2025 EU Human Rights Defenders Award, which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in their communities.
Now in its 14th year, the annual award is organised by the EU Delegation in Uganda, together with EU Member States represented in the country.
Among the three finalists is Aloikin Praise Opoloje, a young feminist and law student at Makerere University, who gained national attention after participating in a nude protest against alleged corruption and misuse of public funds in Parliament.
She has been active in organizing student-led debates and protests on issues such as military detention of civilians and women’s political participation.
Also nominated is Hussein Kato Muyinda, a lawyer and environmental rights activist who co-founded the Earth and Rights Initiative. He currently serves as the General Secretary of Climate Action Network Uganda (CAN-U).
His advocacy was key in influencing the protection of Bugoma Forest, pushing local authorities to consider upgrading it to national park status.
The third nominee is Norah Kobusingye, a journalist and co-Executive Director of Freedom Hive Uganda.
She has been instrumental in grassroots movements that fight corruption, promote gender equality, and amplify voices from marginalized communities. Like Opoloje, she has also participated in protests against civilian detentions by military forces.
“We salute each of the HRDs for their excellent work in defence of the rights of others,” the EU Delegation in Uganda said in a statement.
“The nominees were selected from dozens of nominations submitted by the public.”
The winner of the 2025 EU Human Rights Defenders Award will be announced on May 15 during a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Kampala.
English 