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Art Cannot Be Silenced: Artists Defend Justice in Kampala and Jinja

Under the banner of ‘Defend,’ the fourth edition of the Human Rights Are Universal Arts Festival unfolded like a canvas of collective defiance, blending poetry, music, dance, and visual storytelling to confront threats to dignity and justice. Held from October 9–12 at Xenson Art Space in Kampala, with an inaugural extension to Jinja on October 25, the festival drew over 65 artists for 70 performances and six panel discussions, engaging hundreds of attendees.

Commission Endorses Artistic Advocacy The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) commended East Africa Visual Artists (EAVA) for their dedicated fight for human rights and inclusivity. Speaking at the opening ceremony on Independence Day, Sarah Nakhumitsa, Director of Regional Services at UHRC, represented Chairperson Mariam Wangadya.

“The theme of the festival is a reflection of inclusivity, not only in the events for this festival but in everything that transpires in the daily actions and decisions of the East African Visual Artists platform,” Nakhumitsa noted.

Nakhumitsa expressed admiration for EAVA Director Vincent Kyabayinze’s contribution to advocating for the dignity of all citizens. “In your quest to advance human rights, social justice, and cultural understanding through creative arts... you espouse the universality of human rights that recognizes the inherent value and worth of a person, irrespective of their background. This is the cornerstone of human dignity,” she said, pledging continued collaboration with EAVA.Sarah Nakhumitsa, Director of Regional Services at UHRC

Blurring the Lines Between Aesthetics and Activism The four-day celebration in Kamwokya buzzed with collaborative workshops, art exhibitions, poetry readings, films, and live music. Highlights included free health testing services—emphasizing the right to health—and vendor stalls that infused the venue with color and community spirit.

Panels explored topics such as ‘Reimagining the Citizens’ Demand for Accountability’ and ‘Drums of Freedom: Examining Culture and Resilience.’ Speakers agreed that art must not only confront social justice issues but be accessible and interpretable to the average citizen.

Keynote speaker Jackie Asiimwe, Chairperson of the East African Philanthropy Network, emphasized art's unique role in activism. "We use art as an act of solidarity to defend and express our rights. It carries power beyond words, disarming authority in ways language alone never could," Asiimwe stated. She challenged artists and attendees alike to take initiative: “Everyone has a responsibility to defend and protect human rights. It’s not the big names’ duty, but us all."

Empowering the Next Generation The spotlight also fell on emerging talent through the EAVA Residency Program. Six young artists—Iyara Norah Karabo, Roselock Namirimu, Agaba Hillary, Wamala Nyanzi, Biira Shalote Mayani, and Aksanti B. Bienfait—were awarded certificates for completing the four-month mentorship.

Their work explored the ‘Defend’ theme through three urgent lenses: climate change, discrimination, and threats to democracy.

“By situating the residency within the festival, EAVA ensured that the artists’ voices would not remain hidden but would instead enter into dialogue with broader cultural conversations,” said Kajebe Jacob Joshua, Director of Programs at the EAVA Artists Residency.

“Through art, we can imagine solutions and take responsibility for creating change ourselves,” added Director Kyabayinze.

Inaugural Jinja Edition: Growth and Grassroots Impact For the first time, the festival expanded to Jinja, a move Kyabayinze described as a desire to decentralize human rights advocacy.

Amidst vibrant performances at the historic railway museum, the message resonated with locals. A boda boda rider attending the festival shared a simple, powerful plea: "Boda boda is my hustle, my job. Human rights make sure I can work safe and live free — that’s all I want."

Reflecting on the expansion, Kyabayinze captured the spirit of the event: "We resist. We defend. Art cannot be silenced. In the face of fear, we continue to create and build spaces for artists who are brave."