By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
KAMPALA: Torture survivors marked the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26 by saying many are still waiting years for court-ordered compensation, while others died before receiving payments.
The observance followed Uganda’s January 2026 general elections, which drew reports of torture from rights groups. Survivors at the Kampala event accused security agencies of continuing to torture suspects despite laws banning the practice. Ok
Uganda ratified the UN Convention Against Torture in 1987 and prohibits torture under Articles 24 and 44 of the 1995 Constitution. The Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, enacted in 2012, and its 2017 Regulations criminalize torture by public officials and private individuals. Uganda is also party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Data from the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s 2025 report show torture was the second most alleged violation, with 117 cases recorded nationwide and 25 in Kampala. The report notes torture now includes mob justice. Former rugby player Sydney Gongodyo was listed among recent victims of mob violence.
Government and UHRC officials said progress has been made. Some security officers have been dismissed over aggravated torture cases, and courts have awarded compensation to victims. Survivors, however, said delays in payment and enforcement persist.
The event also highlighted concerns over reduced civil society oversight after the closure of groups including ACTV and HRNJ. Legal observers noted the Constitutional Court’s recent decision nullifying Section 11(2) of the Human Rights Enforcement Act, which previously voided trials where non-derogable rights were infringed.
Advocates at the commemoration called for Uganda to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture to establish a National Preventive Mechanism for monitoring detention facilities.
