HURIPEC was established in 1993. It was the first research and academic-based institution for human rights and peacebuilding in the East African region. It is devoted to teaching, research, and the compilation of local/regional materials relating to human rights and peacebuilding.

HURIPEC publishes the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights, an interdisciplinary, semi-annual scholarly publication. The organisation also publishes an annual bibliography of materials on human rights in Uganda. In addition, HURIPEC is involved in the popularisation of human rights activities and maintains an active liaison with activist organisations in the region. It conducts research and advocacy on human rights, peace and good governance and provides useful resources.