By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Gulu, Uganda: The Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal, led by Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, has delivered a landmark ruling awarding Shs115m in damages to victims of human rights abuses in Gulu.
The tribunal, comprising Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, found that the complainants’ rights to freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and the right to life had been violated.
As a result, the Uganda Prisons and the UPDF have been held liable for the compensation. This ruling serves as a significant step towards accountability and redress for victims of human rights abuses.
The award of damages demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring that those responsible for abuses are held accountable. The decision is also likely to have far-reaching implications for the protection of human rights in Uganda, particularly in the context of security operations and detention.
By holding institutions accountable for their actions, the UHRC is promoting a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. The ruling is a welcome development for victims of human rights abuses and their families, who often face significant challenges in seeking justice and compensation.
