ISINGO INITIATIVE FOR HUMANITY

Isingo Advocates for Humanity was formed in 2019 drawing inspiration from the works of other civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and many other local human rights groups. It seeks to become a vocal and principled defender of constitutionally-guaranteed rights across a spectrum of issues without limitation based on ethnic, religious, or other group identity, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Also inspired by the urge to consolidate all the current and ongoing works/activities in line of education and humanitarian services into one umbrella.

A feasibility study conducted by eminent lawyers and civil society experts Ms. Ashanut Okille, Dr. Kabumba Busingye and Mr Dan Ngabirano concluded that although several initiatives have been undertaken to promote human rights in Uganda.

“none of the organizations that are using a legal response has a specific remit on civic space rights, and yet political developments in the country seem to indicate that there is likely to be an increase in the use of legislation to regulate civic space rights for CSOs and individuals who hold views that are critical of Government positions and are not in [the] ‘public interest.’”

 The study concluded that the creation of a coordinated and robust legal response mechanism would be important to ensure efficient and effective use of resources and capacities in the defense of civil liberties and civic space.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity was thus formed to promote human rights, defend human rights, strengthen humanitarian services and take educational opportunities to the poor and the vulnerable persons.

It is not intended to replace or compete with existing service groups and human rights protection initiatives, but host a robust and coordinated process of defending civil liberties, promoting human dignity and educating the nation.

We are also going to continue offering humanitarian aid for the vulnerable persons, the sick, the elderly, educate children and support schools to provide a conducive educative environment for the students. And provide internship for international students and volunteers from around the world.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides a progressive bill of rights that encapsulates the provisions of regional and international human rights instruments and standards.

It is from there that Isingo Advocates for Humanity derives its confidence because our constitution provides the right to life, to family, to education, safe, clean and healthy environment, rights of Women, children, and persons with disabilities, protection of the minorities, right to information, free speech, Equality and freedom from discrimination, personal liberty, right to protection from inhuman treatment, protection from slavery, servitude, and forced labour, right to protection from deprivation of property, protection of freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association and economic right among other rights which we shall be advocating for to be enjoyed by every Ugandan without any form of discrimination.

OUR FOCUS AREAS

v Legal

v Humanitarian

v Education

THE STRATEGIC PLAN

The Strategic Plan is intended to clarify and set the vision for Isingo Advocates for Humanity’s work for the coming five years and provides an overview of the key milestones Isingo Advocates for Humanity intends to meet within this timeframe.

It provides an external review as to what Isingo Advocates for Humanity views as the key issues that need to be addressed in the next few years and why, and complements this analysis with a practical overview of how Isingo Advocates for Humanity intends to tackle them. The Strategic Plan seeks to ensure that Isingo Advocates for Humanity can continue to take advantage of its existing strengths, and grow stronger. It also outlines the strategies of the organization to address any institutional limitations or challenges.

A. KEY STRENGTH

Isingo Advocates for Humanity has grown from a little unknown and new organization into a credible and widely quoted organization on matters of Human Rights, Humanitarian and education in Uganda most specifically in Eastern part of Uganda.

B. AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

Isingo Advocates for Humanity’s small size is a strength in that it enables efficiency, flexibility and a targeted focus. Its size also underscores its orientation of working in partnership with established, like-minded local and international organizations rather than duplicating or competing with such groups.

Nonetheless, the needs are very great. Targeted, incremental growth will help Isingo Advocates for Humanity to accomplish more: It will help to ensure that it can direct resources to respond quickly and effectively to new legal contexts, Humanitarian, Education and situations where its expertise would add value. It would also help ensure that we can adequately respond to new requests for assistance from victims, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

As Isingo Advocates for Humanity’s work and reputation become better known, the number of requests for assistance, collaboration and mentoring will likewise continue to increase. As such, during the coming years, Isingo Advocates for Humanity aims to grow incrementally as an organization, balancing increases in program staff with reinforcements in management and support roles. Isingo Advocates for Humanity’s decision to work in collaboration with like-minded domestic organizations requires sufficient allocation of time and resources to ensure effective communication. Staff longevity helps to inculcate a clear and consistent face to the organization.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity has successfully built up collaborative relationships with local, regional and international counterparts, through regular dialogue, visits and established partnerships and continues to increase these and other relationships. In the next three years.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity is committed to invigorating and extending its relationships with partners around the world, and to developing the means to ensure the long-term financial viability of these collaborations.

WHAT WE DO

Isingo Advocates for Humanity is an independent not-for profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the protection of civil liberties and promotion of human rights for all in Uganda and provide educational and humanitarian services.

Incorporated in 2022 under the laws of Uganda, Isingo Advocates for Humanity is a robust and coordinated mechanism for legal response to abuse of civil liberties and basic human rights. The organization provides bold and innovative legal response through representation, litigation, mediation, arbitration and counsel to the most vulnerable and discriminated sections of society.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a robust, strategic and non-discriminatory legal and humanitarian response to the abuse of civil liberties and human rights in Uganda. Our mission is to provide a strategic and non-discriminatory legal response in the defence of civil liberties in Uganda. We employ public interest litigation, research and legal analysis, and advocacy to advance social change for the protection of civil liberties and human rights.

OUR VISION

A society in which civil liberties and human rights are enjoyed without discrimination and those who abuse the rights are brought to account.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity employs both proactive and reactive means to achieve its objectives. We provide research, advocacy and outreach services as a means to influence laws, policies and practices; and in cases where laws, policies and practices threaten civil liberties and human rights, challenge them in courts of law.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity gives priority to the cases with the greatest impact (far reaching impact), as well as those involving the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Isingo Advocates for Humanity employs a range of legal mechanisms to achieve its objectives. These mechanisms range from offering legal advice and legal representation on a pro-bono basis, as well as conducting research and advocacy, to litigation in domestic, regional and international courts. But before any other thing, we shall give mediation and arbitration first priority as alternative dispute resolution.

Decisions as to which legal tool is most appropriate are made on a case-by-case basis and ultimately depend upon the circumstances of the case and the remedies being sought or obtainable.

The operating principles of our work are based upon:

v A commitment to work impartially, independently and boldly to defend civil liberties, promote and protect fundamental human rights, provide humanitarian services and education for all without any discrimination.

v Innovative and flexible programs that include investigation, research, representation, training and empowerment, to offer concrete opportunities to promote human rights.

v Strategic alliances with local, national and international organizations and networks with similar objectives and whose work complements and supports our mission.

v Partnership building with local groups to establish relationships that foster education of the community about human rights and its protection; and Talented and committed employees, Board members any interns who represent the organization before clients, colleagues, donors and the public.