The Uganda Human Rights Tribunal has convened at its regional offices in Jinja to hear cases that have been pending for over a decade, with officials prioritising files lodged as far back as 2010.
The session was presided over by Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, who said the tribunal is undertaking a countrywide effort to eliminate case backlogs and bring timely justice to victims of human rights violations.
“Today’s session is focused on clearing backlogged cases, especially those filed since 2010,” said Wangadya. “Only after these will new cases be considered.”
Wangadya, who also chairs the Human Rights Commission, noted that the tribunal has often been bogged down by cases beyond its jurisdiction.
“The tribunal strictly handles matters related to violations of the right to personal liberty,” she said. “Unfortunately, many cases are filed here that should be handled by other institutions.”
She attributed much of the delay to chronic underfunding, which limited the tribunal’s ability to conduct regular hearings.
However, she praised recent financial support from Parliament and the government.
“With improved funding, we are now able to hold regular sessions, which will help reduce the backlog,” she said.
The Jinja sitting had 19 cases on the docket: seven scheduled for ruling, seven for continued hearing, and five for first-time hearings.
Despite the budget boost, Wangadya pointed to continued operational gaps, including the delayed appointment of commissioners to fill the tribunal’s full bench.
“This vacuum in leadership, especially after the passing of the former chairperson, contributed to the buildup of cases,” she said.
Wangadya also acknowledged that many Ugandans prefer the tribunal over regular courts, believing it to be more accessible. This has added pressure on the system. To address this, the Commission is carrying out civic education to clarify the tribunal’s role.
“We do not handle land disputes, unfair dismissal, debt recovery, breach of contract, or criminal cases,” she said.
Among the cases dismissed in Jinja was case no. JJA/05/2010, filed by Lawrence Opuwa and others against Saleh Kamba.
The complainants had accused Kamba of orchestrating the torture of 32 people—later revised to 25—including Hajj Ibrahim Walibonaki and Halid Tevuga.
The tribunal found no credible link between Kamba and the alleged torture.
“From scrutinising the entire file, we note that the case arose from a fierce rivalry between two prominent politicians in Kibuku District— Kamba and Jennifer Namuyangu—who at the moment were competing for the Kibuku County MP seat,” the tribunal ruled.
“It is clear to us that each complaint in this tribunal is a sponsored one, and it’s not about human rights.”
Reacting to the ruling, Hajj Walibonaki expressed disappointment, arguing that their grievance was not political but targeted at state security agents.
“We are not happy with the ruling. Our case was against state operatives who tortured us, not politicians,” he said. “Justice delayed for more than a decade is justice denied.”
Wangadya said a similar session was recently held in Fort Portal to hear cases from the Tooro region, and that upcoming sittings are planned for Karamoja and Hoima.
“We are moving across the country to ensure that justice is brought closer to the people and long-standing cases are resolved,” she said.