By Julius Mugaga Tukacugurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has revealed overwhelming concerns on the reluctance in handling of torture cases by Uganda Police Force that has created a favourable ground for perpetrators evade justice.
Crispin Kaheru, the Commissioner at Uganda human Rights Commission cited that it has been evident that there is no specific torture-related data in police annual crime reports which translates to under prioritization of torture by the Force. “Torture is a criminal act that violates human rights and should not be treated lightly by law enforcement,” Kaheru affirmed
Kaheru highlighted that there is a growing syndrome of victims hesitating to report that could be caused by fear of retaliation and mistrust during the investigative. He added the reluctance is exacerbated by the perception that law enforcement, and the Department of Criminal Investigations (CID), may be a frame-up in such acts.
Even when the situation is like this, Kaheru revealed that UHRC managed to document 141 torture cases last year.
This he said at joint press conference with the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) prior to the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Available statistics according to ACTV, an average of 1,000 Ugandans annually report cases of torture and ill-treatment. However, the police crime report of 2023 categorized instances of torture under child abuse, with 866 cases recorded, creating disparities as well raising concerns about the accurate reporting and investigation in such.
While addressing media, the CEO of ACTV, Samuel Nsubuga noted that there is skyrocketing number of complaints against private individuals up to 1,053 from 2018 to 2023 thereby calling for enhanced civic education and police vigilance to address these violations effectively.
With the presence of laws against torture in Uganda in addition to ratifying to the Convention against Torture, Rights body noted that impunity is ongoing, particularly within security agencies. Its against this background that Kaheru called for concerted efforts to ensure all perpetrators face legal consequences, noting the public’s role in reporting abuses through platforms like social media.
The Director of Education at UHRC, Kamadi Byonabye expressed funding constraints that affecting Commission’s effective investigation of reported cases with just a few being thoroughly examined.
The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture will be marked at Kampala’s Railway Grounds, featuring a march led by Minister of Internal Affairs General Kahinda Otafire. This event aims to raise awareness and advocate for justice for victims of torture in Uganda.
Torture remains one of the most violated human rights in Uganda, despite constitutional provisions and international commitments aimed at its prevention and prosecution.