Date: 9th June 2026
LIBERTY PROBONO INITIATIVE
COMMUNIQUÉ FOR NATIONAL HEROES DAY: THE REAL HEROES ARE STILL WAITING FOR JUSTICE
Introduction
Today, Uganda celebrates National Heroes Day. We are told to remember those who fought for our country. But we want to ask a simple question: Who do we call a hero?
At Liberty Pro Bono Initiative, we believe a hero is someone who stands up for the weak, who protects the land, who risks everything so that others can live in a clean and safe environment.
By that definition, many female environmental defenders in Uganda today are real heroes. But instead of medals, they get handcuffs. Instead of songs, they get court cases. Instead of honour, they get beaten, convicted, arrested, and locked up.
What We Have Seen
Women Environmental Defenders beaten and sexually assaulted in Kapaapi
Pregnant women were beaten. Some lost their babies. Homes were burned. Three years later, they are still waiting for justice at Hoima High Court.
Female environmental activists convicted for a peaceful protest
Convicted on 17th April 2026 at Buganda Road Court for protesting against Stanbic Bank’s funding of EACOP. Most are students and young women.
KCB 11 Environmental Defenders – 90 days in detention for delivering a letter.
Lwera Wetland Defenders – Excessive cash bail for speaking up.
Our Call to Action
We call upon the Government of Uganda, the Judiciary, and all Ugandans to:
Recognise environmental defenders as heroes – not as criminals.
Release all activists who are in jail only for peaceful environmental advocacy.
Stop using excessive cash bail and fabricated charges.
Investigate the sexual assaults and beatings during the Kapaapi eviction.
Protect the constitutional right to peaceful advocacy.
Final Word
On National Heroes Day, let us honour the real heroes – the female environmental defenders – not with speeches, but with action. Set them free. Protect them. Call them what they are: Heroes.
Issued by:
Liberty Pro Bono Initiative
For the female environmental defenders of Uganda
