The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) tribunal has awarded Shs 18.1 million to victims of police abuse and unlawful detention following hearings in Jinja.
The tribunal, chaired by UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya, began hearing nine complaints from residents of the Busoga and Bukedi sub-regions, where several people accused police officers of torture and illegal arrest.
Five of the nine cases have already been decided, with damages granted in two.
One of the victims, 47-year-old Yusuf Bakaki from Mayuge, was awarded Shs 10 million in compensation. The tribunal found that he was unlawfully arrested and detained by two Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers in 2018.
Bakaki was accused of “spreading rumours” that the then Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and police officers were selling guns and uniforms to civilians. He was held at Mayuge Police Station for 15 days, from February 8 to February 23, 2018, without being taken to court.
In its ruling, the tribunal said Bakaki’s arrest “was not premised on any reasonable suspicion that he had committed any crime,” describing it as “malicious, vindictive, and punitive.”
In another case, 56-year-old Paul Rwecungura from Jinja was awarded Shs 8.1 million for being tortured and unlawfully detained by police at Buwenge Police Station in 2013.
Rwecungura told the tribunal that he was arrested on December 11, 2013, when he went to report the mysterious disappearance of cattle under his care. Instead, officers detained and beat him, forcing him to confess to theft.
He was released nine days later.
The tribunal ruled that Rwecungura’s rights to personal liberty and protection from torture were violated.
Speaking to reporters after the decision, Rwecungura praised the UHRC for investigating his case.
“Ever since I lodged my complaint, there have been no cases of torture at Buwenge Police Station,” he said.
Wangadya, who led the tribunal alongside commissioners Shifrah Lukwago, Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, and Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, said the sittings were part of ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims of abuse.
However, she warned the public against filing false claims.
“Some of the complaints were dismissed with costs because they contained falsehoods,” she said.
