Validity proudly congratulates Benon Kabale, our Ugandan client and a courageous survivor of institutionalisation, on being named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Human Rights Watch Marca Bristo Fellowship for Courageous Leadership in Disability Rights. The fellowship, established to honour the late Marca Bristo—a trailblazing disability rights advocate, founder of  Access Living, and inaugural chair of the Human Rights Watch Disability Rights Advisory Committee—recognises exceptional individuals advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. Benon joins an elite group as the fifth recipient of this distinguished award.

“Persons with psychosocial disabilities have long faced neglect and marginalisation. In line with the UNCRPD’s commitment to leaving no one behind, this Fellowship represents a transformative opportunity to elevate the voices of those with lived experiences, empowering them to emerge as leading advocates for their universal rights worldwide,” said Benon Kabale.

Benon’s journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to justice. In 2015, Validity, in partnership with Benon, the Center for Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), and Mental Health Uganda (MHU), filed a landmark case against the Attorney General of Uganda, highlighting the severe human rights violations Benon endured while detained at Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital between October 2005 and November 2010. These violations included prolonged seclusion in dark rooms devoid of basic amenities, exposure to inhumane conditions, and deprivation of sensory interaction—all breaches of his fundamental rights.

Although the High Court dismissed the case in 2018 in a very disappointing judgment, the judge argued that seclusion was a short-term measure that was necessary to help him recover and did not meet the threshold of torture as argued by Benon. Inspite of this, Benon’s resolve has remained steadfast. With support from Validity and the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), he has relentlessly pursued justice at the Court of Appeal for the past seven years.

In celebration of this award, Jennifer Wairimu, Litigation Officer of the Validity Foundation said:

“I am thrilled that this fellowship not only celebrates Benon’s remarkable advocacy for persons with psychosocial disabilities but also amplifies his voice on the global stage, inspiring change and advancing the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities worldwide.”

In 2017, Benon participated in a fellowship program offered by the Validity Foundation (then Mental Disability Advocacy Centre), where he worked on advocacy initiatives in collaboration with Mental Health Uganda and shared his experiences as a self-advocate.

Validity congratulates Benon on this well-deserved recognition, which marks a significant milestone in advancing his advocacy for persons with psychosocial disabilities. We are proud to stand by his side and remain committed in supporting his impactful work.