In this episode of the Chapter Four Legacy Podcast, Dr. Zahara Nampewo (Board Chairperson of Chapter Four Uganda and Deputy Principal, School of Law, Makerere University), discusses the intricate relationship between academia and human rights advocacy. Dr. Nampewo outlines her journey from legal practice to academia, highlighting Makerere University's pivotal role in Uganda's independence and its ongoing influence in shaping civil liberties. She explains how her academic work supports civil society organizations like Chapter Four, emphasizing the university's historical engagement in democratic struggles and its commitment to training an informed citizenry. Dr. Nampewo identifies key challenges facing human rights in Uganda in 2024, including the narrative that pits human rights against development, the shrinking civic space, and increased aggression from security forces. She elaborates on case studies like the charcoal trade in Northern Uganda and the militarization of fisheries to illustrate how academic research must address complex socio-economic issues while advocating for human rights. Looking towards the 2025 elections, she advocates for stronger collaborations between various stakeholders to ensure human rights remain central to political and developmental discourse, emphasizing the need for academic freedom and civic engagement to prevent historical rights abuses from recurring.