enforce the provisions of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). In this direction Government, through NEMA continues to take measures to prevent environmental degradation around the country. ARTICLE 25: The State’s Duty to Educate the Masses Policy Measures: The Government of Uganda has not yet designed a comprehensive national programme to promote the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, however civil society has been given free range to educate the people about their rights and freedoms. The Draft National Civic Education Policy has been finalized and is due to be presented to Cabinet. The UHRC also has the mandate to carryout comprehensive Civil Education of the public on their rights. ARTICLE 26: Independence of the Courts and establishment of National Human Rights Institutions Legislative measures: The Courts: Article 128 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda specifically guarantees the independence of the judiciary. The Constitution specifically states that; “the courts shall be independent and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority. No person or authority shall interfere with the courts or judicial officers in the exercise of their judicial functions” National Human Rights Institutions: The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under Article 51 to 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to carry out various human rights related functions including; Investigating complaints made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right and also visiting places of detention or related facilities with a view to assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and monitoring the Government’s compliance with international treaties and conventions. The powers of the Uganda Human Rights Commission to some extent are similar those of a Court and therefore the commission can summon/ order any person to appear before it and produce any document or record relevant to any investigation by the Commission. It can question any person in respect of any subject matter under its investigation or direct any person to disclose any information within his or her knowledge relevant to any investigation by the Commission. It can also commit persons for contempt of its orders. . In addition the Commission can grant remedies to aggrieved persons and order compensation. N.B The UHRC has been accredited twice as an independent “A” status National Human Rights Institution under the UN Paris Principles relating to Status/quality of National Human Rights Institutions (i.e. independence guaranteed, autonomy from government, adequate powers of investigation and resources). As an “A” institution the UHRC can vote or hold office in the international Coordinating Committee of national institutions and its regional groups and make oral submissions at meetings of the Human Rights Council. Other Policy Measures: Government of Uganda has in addition allowed freedom to create human rights institutions and allowed them to operate and to report on the human rights situation in the country. The main umbrella body for such institutions is the Human Rights Network (HURINET) currently with a membership of 43 organizations. ARTICLE 27: The duty of every individual towards his family and society, the State and other legally recognized communities and the international community. The rights and freedoms of each individual shall be exercised with due regard to the rights of others, collective security, morality and common interest. 30