The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal has awarded a total of Shs 18.1 million to victims of human rights violations following a sitting held on Thursday at the UHRC Regional Office in Jinja.
The session, chaired by UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, marks the beginning of hearings for several human rights complaints arising from the Busoga and Bukedi sub-regions.
The Tribunal panel also included Commissioners Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga.
A total of nine complaints were scheduled for hearing, most of which involved allegations of violations of the right to personal liberty and the right to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Out of these, five decisions have so far been delivered, with two victims receiving compensation.
In one of the rulings, the Tribunal awarded Shs 10 million to Bakaki Yusuf, a 47-year-old peasant from Tse-Tse Cell, Ikulwe Ward in Mayuge Town Council.
Bakaki was unlawfully detained at Mayuge Police Station from 8th to 23rd February 2018 after being accused by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers of spreading rumors that the then Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and some police officers were selling guns and uniforms to civilians.
The Tribunal found that Bakaki’s detention was unlawful, malicious, and punitive, ruling that there had been no reasonable suspicion that he had committed any crime.
In another case, Rwecungura Paul, a 56-year-old peasant from Magamaga, Buwenge in Jinja District, was awarded Shs 8.1 million as compensation for violations of his rights to personal liberty and protection from torture and inhuman treatment.
Rwecungura had been arrested on 11th December 2013 and detained at Buwenge Police Station until 20th December 2013 when he had gone to report the disappearance of cattle under his care.
During detention, he was allegedly beaten by police officers to force a confession.
The Tribunal held that his rights were indeed violated and granted him compensation. Speaking to the media after the ruling, Rwecungura expressed gratitude to the UHRC for investigating his case and noted that since his complaint, no new torture incidents have been reported at Buwenge Police Station.
In her remarks, Hon. Wangadya commended the Tribunal for its diligence but cautioned members of the public against filing false or malicious complaints, noting that some cases had been dismissed with costs due to deliberate falsehoods.
“The Commission will continue to ensure justice for genuine victims, but we strongly discourage abuse of the complaint system through fabricated claims,” she said.
The UHRC Tribunal continues its efforts to promote accountability, uphold human dignity, and safeguard fundamental human rights across Uganda.
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