Ugandan activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje received the European Union Human Rights Defenders Award 2025 for her work fighting corruption. The Swedish ambassador hosted the award ceremony at his home in Kampala. Opoloje earned recognition for standing up for civil rights and social justice across Uganda. She studies law at Makerere University and will graduate soon. Her passion comes from seeing corruption firsthand in her rural hometown of Pallisa.
Opoloje leads student debates about government at OpenParly UG and helps combat period poverty through the Dwona Initiative. Police have arrested her twice for joining protests against corruption and military detention of civilians. She spent time in Luzira prison but continues her fight for human rights. Her campaigns focus on making officials accountable and protecting women's rights.
During her speech, Opoloje criticized the EU for talking with leaders who abuse human rights. She questioned why awards go to activists but diplomats still shake hands with those who hurt citizens. EU Ambassador Jan Sadek praised her courage to speak out despite facing jail time. Two other nominees received recognition - Hussein Kato Muyinda for environmental protection and Norah Kobusingye for fighting gender violence.
Opoloje leads student debates about government at OpenParly UG and helps combat period poverty through the Dwona Initiative. Police have arrested her twice for joining protests against corruption and military detention of civilians. She spent time in Luzira prison but continues her fight for human rights. Her campaigns focus on making officials accountable and protecting women's rights.
During her speech, Opoloje criticized the EU for talking with leaders who abuse human rights. She questioned why awards go to activists but diplomats still shake hands with those who hurt citizens. EU Ambassador Jan Sadek praised her courage to speak out despite facing jail time. Two other nominees received recognition - Hussein Kato Muyinda for environmental protection and Norah Kobusingye for fighting gender violence.
