By Eddy Enuru
The Soroti Regional Office of the Uganda Human Rights Commission has taken a significant step towards justice by producing 15 cases of human rights violations in court.
These cases encompass a range of violations, from the abuse of personal liberty of suspects by the police to violations of the right to life by security agencies, including the Uganda Police, UPDF (Uganda People's Defence Forces), and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Ms. Mariam Fauzat Wangadya Chairperson of the Commission, speaking to Nilepost at the Soroti Regional Offices, stated that the trials will proceed over three days as the tribunal meticulously examines each file to ensure justice prevails.
“I am here in Soroti with my commissioners and legal officers for a three-day hearing process of these 15 files. Those found guilty shall have to face the law,” she emphasized.
She further encouraged the public to continue reporting cases of human rights violations and provide evidence for the prosecution of offenders, highlighting that the commission operates based on evidence.
Josephine Akello, the Regional Manager of the Uganda Human Rights Commission Soroti Regional Office, revealed that the files consist of 12 cases of torture, 4 cases of personal liberty violations involving the detention of suspects beyond 42 hours by the police, and 2 cases where suspects were beaten to death while in custody.
“We have 12 cases against the Uganda Police, 2 against UPDF, and one case against the Uganda Wildlife Authority,” she elaborated.
Akello also mentioned that they have received a formal complaint filed by a group of journalists in the Teso Sub-region. These journalists reported being tortured, with their equipment vandalized, during the Bukedea L.C5 by-elections in June 2023. The commission is currently gathering evidence to build a comprehensive case.
The public in Uganda has continued to experience human rights abuses, especially during political times, where political actors and journalists often find themselves targeted. Armed forces, in particular, have been implicated in many of these violations.
One high-profile case involves the deaths of two individuals in the custody of Bukedea Central Police Station in March 2022, suspected to have resulted from torture. However, this case has remained unresolved and pending a conclusion.
The hearings in Soroti serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and holding violators accountable. The Uganda Human Rights Commission remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of such violations.