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“I don’t always jump on every idea so if I get an idea for the first time, I will be like “Okay God, I hear you.” If it keeps on coming to me, then I will do it, even if I don’t understand it”, she says.
The human rights activist was handed the prestigious award on Wednesday, June 1, at an event hosted by the Belgium Ambassador in Uganda Ambassador Rudi Veestraeten at his residence in Kampala.
Speaking during the ceremony Ambassador Veestraeten commended Primah for her outstanding contribution in advocating for and defending the rights of women and girls in the country.
“Primah has made an outstanding contribution to human rights, & especially the rights of women. She helped women unjustly locked up during COVID-19, helped to repatriate women trafficked to the Middle East & helped to get SRHR services to women with psychosocial challenges.” He said.
Primah Kwagala (right) with Belgium Ambassador Rudi Veestraeten (left)
Accepting the award, Primah said reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the rights of girls and women.
“I am really focused on making a difference in the world by particularly advocating for the rights of girls & women. There are things we choose but there are also things that choose us. Advocacy for girls and women simply chose me.”
The Human Rights Defenders Award is an annual award given by the European Union in Uganda and the Embassy of Norway.
Primah with the EU delegation in Uganda during the awarding event
Primah Kwagala is a human rights lawyer and founder of the Women’s Probono Initiative, a non-profit organization she founded in 2018 that offers free legal services to Ugandan women and girls whose rights are being violated. In addition to providing free legal representation, WPI serves as a knowledge hub for research and knowledge management on women’s rights, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), provision of free legal advice and impact litigation with a bearing on women and girls.
Primah has previously been the recipient of several awards and recognitions including the 2020 Peace and Reconciliation Laureate by the German and French Embassies in Uganda.
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