Tribunal orders govt to pay over sh110m in rights abuse cases

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GULU - The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal sitting at its Gulu regional office has awarded a total of shillings 115 million to different complainants who accused the state of violating their Human Rights and Freedoms.

In the first decision delivered by Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru on behalf of the panel, Opio Lawrence and Aketch Fiona were awarded 70 million for the death of their wife and mother, respectively, while 20 million was awarded to Adong Doris, who sustained life-threatening injuries during the indiscriminate shooting.

In another decision delivered by Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, still on behalf of the panel, Mogi Moses was awarded 25 million for the torture he underwent at both Pece and Loro government Prisons.

The four-man tribunal, chaired by Mariam Wangadya, is sitting in Gulu city from Monday, September 1, 2025, till Friday, handling 21 matters of human rights violations.

Moses Mogi resident of Amuru District, was tortured by the inmates by the time he was convicted for malicious damage while in Prison in Pece Prison and Loro Prison in Oyam District. (Credit: Johnisani Ocakacon)

Director of complaints, investigations and legal services at UHRC, Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, on Monday, September 1, 2025, said the complainants presented sufficient evidence proving that their rights had been infringed. As a result, the tribunal awarded them damages.

She explained that of the 21 cases before the tribunal, four are for first hearing, four are due for decision, two are coming for defence, while two have already resulted in compensation awards. The rest are ongoing cases that continue to be heard.

“These are matters of human rights violations that the tribunal is hearing in Gulu. All these complaints have been filed according to the violations reported to the Human Rights Commission for justice to take its course,” Mutumba said.

Fiona Opoka, the Regional Human Rights Officer, said although some people doubt the commission’s effectiveness, the tribunal is working tirelessly to ensure victims of torture and abuse get justice.

“Sometimes rulings take long,” Opoka noted, “but this week the tribunal will hear, decide and award compensation within five days if evidence is sufficient.”

She added that many people tortured during the war in northern Uganda have lodged complaints with UHRC, and investigations are ongoing to establish evidence of rights violations.

“The tribunal will see all the files, make decisions and advise complainants, while also hearing from the Attorney General on some matters,” Opoka said.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga highlighted the severity of Moses Mogi’s case, saying he was left with deformities on his arms and buttocks after severe beatings in prison.

“Our work as the commission is to protect the rights of people. This tribunal is going to look through cases, make decisions, and advise where necessary so that our clients get justice,” he added.

Wangadya emphasised that all compensation awards attract 10 percent annual interest in cases of payment delays. She also urged complainants to file appeals within 30 days if dissatisfied with the rulings.