September 30th & October 1st Lawyer, peace activist, and politician
Lina Zedriga Waru Abuku is the deputy chairperson of the opposition party National Unity Platform (NUP) in Uganda. She holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sewanee University in the USA and Makerere University in Uganda, and has extensive experience in the civil society sector.
As a former judge and lecturer, including at Harvard, she combines legal excellence with a deep commitment to human rights, gender justice, and African perspectives on global issues. She brings fresh insights on law, peace, and decolonization to SQUARE at the University of St.Gallen.
The events are public and free. Registration is required for organizational reasons.
Programme
September 30thexpand_less
Courage and Integrity: Women, Justice, and the Struggle for Freedom in Uganda
6 to 7:30 pm, SQUARE Residency Grid
Dr. Lina Zedriga is a lawyer, peace advocate, and Vice President of Uganda’s leading opposition party – and part of a powerful tradition of women who lead with principle and courage. Her life and work are defined by moral clarity, fearless resistance, and an incorruptible dedication to justice, human dignity, and gender equality.
In conversation with Prof. Dr. Thomas Burri, professor for international law at the University of St.Gallen, and Konrad Hirsch, documentary film-maker and journalist, Lina Zedriga speaks about the role of law under authoritarian regimes, the cost of integrity and the transformative power of feminist leadership in times of political oppression. An evening about courage without compromise – and standing up for freedom when doing so comes with personal risk.
You are warmly invited to a Brown Bag Lunch with Ugandan politician, lawyer, and human rights activist Lina Zedriga. Over lunch, there will be an open exchange and fresh perspectives on politics in Uganda. The discussion will focus on questions such as:
What political trends are currently shaping the African continent?
How do international influences affect local decision-making processes?
What opportunities and challenges exist for democratic structures?
The conversation will be moderated by Robby Kapesa and Khanyile Mlotshwa, two fellows of the St.Gallen Collegium. Participation is limited to 20 people.
Human Library: Conversations in a Small Circle with Lina Zedriga
2:15 to 4 pm, SQUARE Residency Grid
As part of our Human Library, we are delighted to welcome Lina Zedriga as a 'living book'. In personal conversations, she shares insights into her experiences and perspectives on politics in Africa – beyond headlines and clichés.
Take this opportunity to ask questions, listen, and discover new perspectives, directly and through dialogue. Conversations with individuals or groups of up to three people last 20 minutes each. Please select your preferred time slot when registering.
