In response to the devastating collapse of the Kiteezi landfill on 10th August 2024, the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), on 2nd May 2025, officially filed a lawsuit in the High Court of Uganda against the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The collapse, which claimed lives, destroyed homes, and contaminated the environment, was not a natural disaster but a direct consequence of institutional failure. Despite repeated warnings from the Kiteezi community about hazardous waste leakage, water pollution, and the dangers of unchecked garbage accumulation, the responsible authorities failed to take preventive action.
CEHURDโs case seeks accountability for these violations of constitutional rights to life, health, property, and a clean and safe environment. Specifically, we are calling for:
The immediate decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill
Comprehensive environmental restoration of the affected area
The adoption of sustainable, science-based waste management systems that meet international best practices
This case represents a legal battle in the quest for justice, dignity, and the future of the Kiteezi community, whose cries for help went unheard for decades. CEHURD stands firm with the people of Kiteezi in demanding that no community in Uganda should ever again suffer such neglect.
The 2nd Biennial Uganda National Conference on Health, Human Rights and Development (UCHD) brought together leaders, policy makers, academics, civil society, and young advocates from across the continent under the theme: โThe Right to Health: Bridging Gaps Across Other Sectors to Achieve Equitable Health for All.โ
Convened by CEHURD in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the conference was officially opened by the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, who also launched CEHURDโs 10-Year Strategic Plan 2025-2034.
A Youth-led Start
UCHD 2025 began with a Youth Town Hall under the theme โPower in Conversation: Youth and Leaders at the Accountability Table.โ Forty-six young delegates from across Uganda engaged directly with duty bearers from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and other agencies. A Youth Declaration was developed and formally presented, amplifying priorities and commitments from the next generation of leaders.
A Gathering of Minds
Over 250 delegates attended the main conference, representing government ministries, development partners, academia, cultural and religious institutions, the media, civil society organizations, and international participants from Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ben K. Twinomugisha, who challenged participants to rethink health through a social justice lens.
Celebrating 15 Years of CEHURD
The conference also marked CEHURD at 15, with a Gala Dinner under the theme โSocial Justice in Health: Honouring the Past 15 Years and Shaping the Future.โ UNFPAโs Laura Lafuente was the Chief Guest, and partners were recognized through awards, alongside a documentary showcasing CEHURDโs journey.
Emerging Priorities
Discussions highlighted that equitable health cannot be achieved in isolation – every sector has a role to play. Key priorities included:
Recognizing social determinants of health as central to 80% of outcomes.
Strengthening disability inclusion and integrating health into all policies.
Addressing climate-responsive SRHR solutions for communities and refugees.
Tackling food fraud practices and supporting the Uganda National Nutrition Action Plan.
Embracing the One Health approach: people, plants, animals, and the environment.
Shifting to community mental health models and enhancing male involvement in health advocacy.
Creating sustainable health financing models in light of declining donor support.
Expanding youth platforms for engagement with leaders and policymakers.
Outcomes and the Road Ahead
What emerged from UCHD 2025 was a strong consensus: health equity is inseparable from broader development, governance, and economic justice. The conversations and commitments made at UCHD 2025 set the stage for stronger multisectoral collaboration, more youth-led accountability, and policies that place health at the center of Ugandaโs development agenda.
Together, we birthed the Uganda Declaration on Social Determinants of Health, a shared commitment to advancing health equity in Uganda. The seeds of change were planted, now we carry the work forward into action.
