Uganda: Public interest litigator wins first Civil Liberty Award

For Immediate Release

(Kampala/April 13, 2017) – Long time human rights defender and publisher of law reports advocate Ladislaus Rwakafuzi was awarded the first Civil Liberty Award on April 6, 2017. The award was part of the inaugural Human Rights Convention held under the auspices of Chapter Four Uganda that focused on the future of public interest litigation in the country.

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Commenting on the award, Nicholas Opiyo team leader at Chapter Four said, “ Very few epitomize dedication to pursue justice for the underprivileged like Counsel Rwakafuzi”. As an advocate Mr. Rwakafuzi’s practice is dedicated to the pursuit of human rights causes. His clients often see him as the only resort because of his willingness to confront centrifugal political forces armed only with the law and a fierce belief in justice for those under his charge.

“Chapter Four Uganda with pleasure extends the first ever Civil Liberty Award to Mr. Ladislaus Rwakafuzi. Few individuals in Uganda embody the spirit of a world free of the abuses of power and the fight to provide shelter to the most vulnerable of our community like Mr. Ladislaus Rwakafuzi. His unrivalled commitment to using the law as a shield for the poor, the oppressed and the powerless has led the way for the legal profession and countless others in the public to dedicate their time to the defence of civil liberties. For his dedication and service Mr. Rwakafuzi is the reflection of the highest ideals of defense of civil liberties” Ends.

The Civil Liberty Award is a non-monetary recognition of extraordinary efforts in service of human rights in the East African region. Initiated by Chapter Four Uganda, the award is envisioned as a major calendar event that recognizes the fragile environment for human rights and fate of human rights defenders in Uganda and the rest of the East Africa, a region long deviled by some of the worst atrocities recorded in recent history. 

Ladislaus Rwakafuzi, a distinguished Ugandan human rights lawyer, has dedicated his life to the fight against discrimination, oppression, and abuse of human rights through legal means. For the past 20 years, he has successfully argued several constitutional court cases in defense of freedoms and published a series of law reports that are critical for legal practice to advance justice. He also recently provided legal support to several September 2009 Buganda riot victims.

Chapter Four Uganda is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of civil liberties and promotion of human rights for all. We promote human dignity and advance rights through robust, strategic and non-discriminatory legal response where rights are abused or threatened.

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