THE Uganda Human Rights Commission court has awarded a torture victim sh215m in compensation.

The tribunal, presided over by commissioner Agaba Maguru at the commission offices at Pece in Gulu district on Monday, ruled that Charles Opio, 33, be compensated for being tortured by UPDF soldiers on April 28, 2003.

The court heard that Opio, who was then 26 years, was accused of hiding LRA rebels in his house.

As a result of the torture, Opio’s hands were amputated at Gulu Hospital on May 14, 2003. Joseph Nyeko, who represented the Government, said the money would be paid in installments.

“The Government might try to make the first payment before the end of this financial year,” Nyeko said. On hearing the ruling, Opio said: “I will be happy and probably forgive the Government if it pays all the money before the end of this year.”

He added that he would use part of the money to building a house.