By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA
Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal, headed by the Chairperson Mariam Wangadya and Commissioners, Shifra Lukwago, Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru and Simeo Nsubuga on 6th November 2025, awarded a one Paul Rwecungura 56 a resident of Magamaga Buwenge Kagoma Jinja district Shs.8M in general damages for violation of his Right to protection from Torture, cruel, Inhuman and degrading treatment.
In addition, he is to receive One Hundred Thousand shillings as nominal damages for violation to his right to personal liberty with all the sums of money carrying interest of 10% per annum from the date hereof until payment in full.
This was during the UHRC Tribunal sitting at the Jinja Regional offices this morning in which a total of 9 cases on the alleged violation of the rights to life, personal liberty, and the right to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment were heard.
It is alleged that during detention at Buwenge police station Rwecungura was severally beaten to compel him to confess to have stolen cattle and knowing where they were in 2013 while working as herdsman on a farm in Buwenge.
“Am impressed with the commission’s ruling because I have got the justice that I wanted although it has delayed, since I reported torture by police officers at Buwenge police station such incidents have not happened again” said the joyful Rwecungura.
Another case disposed of was of one Andevu Peter 63, a resident of Njeru Trading center Buikwe district which was dismissed with costs for lack of substantial evidence.
Andevu alleged that on 11th October 2005 was arrested by security officers of the then Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU) on allegations of robbery of a deck and Television and taken to Nalufenya Police station. He said that while there, he was severely beaten to compel him to confess to the alleged robbery and produce the deck and TV but insisted he was innocent.
“I will discuss with my lawyer to decide whether to appeal the ruling or not but I have all the necessary documents including the police bonds after my arrest.” Said the visibly weak and limping Andevu.
However, Mariam Wangadya expressed concern over complainants who present fake records for compensation which is not common in courts of law saying this has contributed to case backlog because unscrupulous persons waste the Tribunal’s time.
“Some complainants fake records because the Tribunal has no filing fees, and always facilitates them in terms of accommodation and transportation, so they don’t feel the burden but rather all costs are felt by the government.” Said Wangadya.
As a way of punishing such complainants Wangadya said that fake cases are dismissed with costs to make others refrain from doing the same.
