The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) tribunal sitting in Gulu City on Monday, September 1, 2025, awarded Shs115 million to victims of human rights violations and abuses.
The awards were among several rulings delivered at the opening of a week-long tribunal session chaired by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, alongside commissioners Shifrah Lukwago, Simeo Nsubuga, and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, at the commission’s Gulu Regional Offices.
One of the rulings stemmed from an October 2003 incident in which Pte. Okello Ocii of Juliet Battalion intentionally shot and killed Apio Grace and Agnes Atuku, and severely injured 14-year-old Doris Adong.
Apio’s brother, Lawrence Opio, filed a complaint holding government vicariously liable for the violation of his sister’s right to life, while Adong sought redress for the violation of her right to freedom from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
Adong, in her testimony, narrated how Ocii attacked them on October 14, 2003:
“On that day, Ocii ordered us out—me, Apio, and Atuku. He shot Apio, who ran and fell at a neighbor’s place. He then turned to me as I fled, firing a bullet that struck the back of my head,” she told the tribunal.
The Commission found her testimony credible and consistent with earlier statements made in 2005, ruling that Ocii, as a state agent, violated her rights. The tribunal awarded Shs70m to Opio and Shs20m to Adong.
In another case, the tribunal awarded Shs25m to Moses Mogi, who suffered repeated beatings at Pece Local Government Prison, Gulu Central Government Prison, and Loro Prison Farm.
According to the ruling, Mogi endured extreme physical pain and mental suffering after being beaten by prison warders, fellow inmates, and officers in charge.
He developed chronic chest pain, swollen hands, and wounds on his fingers from forced labor, including picking rubbish and uprooting beans, even when unfit to work. He was denied medical treatment and blocked from accessing medicine brought by his family.
“The conditions to which Mogi was subjected while in Pece and Loro prisons were akin to slavery and servitude,” the tribunal observed.
Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, UHRC’s Director of Complaints, Investigations, and Legal Services, told journalists after the session that the awarded sums will accrue 10 percent annual interest until fully paid. She added that the Commission will engage the UPDF and Uganda Prisons to ensure victims receive their compensation.
The tribunal is still handling 20 complaints arising from the Acholi Sub-region.
