By Emmanuel Olinga
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal sitting at the Soroti regional office has awarded a total of UGX 94 million in general damages to victims of human rights violations in the Teso sub-region.
The session, chaired by UHRC Chairperson Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya alongside Commissioners Hon. Lamex Omara Apita, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza, and Hon. Crispin Kaheru, delivered rulings on several cases involving state agencies and individuals.
Among the decided cases was Wamahwako Godfrey versus the Uganda Wildlife Authority, represented by the Attorney General, which was dismissed by the tribunal.
In another case, Wosami Fred and Musika Richard versus the Uganda Police Force in Mbale, the tribunal awarded each complainant UGX 3 million for violation of their right to personal liberty after they were unlawfully detained for 11 days, well beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit.
The tribunal further awarded Nelson Okileng of Alungari village, Katine Sub county, Soroti District, UGX 18 million after he was arrested and tortured by police at Katine Police Post on February 12, 2010.
Okileng, a fish trader, was arrested on his way home from the market.
Meanwhile, two complaints were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence: Ameu Francis Ekongot of Amuria District, who alleged torture by UPDF soldiers during a 2016 firearm recovery operation, and Emokol, Mufti of Atutur Sub county, Kumi District, who accused police officers of torture during a night patrol in Atutur Trading Centre.
The most substantial award, amounting to UGX 70 million, was granted to Achanit Stella following the death of her 15-year-old son, Paul Opolot, in the cells of Kyere Police Station, Serere District.
Opolot had been arrested in 2014 on allegations of defilement.
While police initially claimed he committed suicide using a rope, a post-mortem conducted by Dr. Wilson Etolu of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital revealed evidence of torture and strangulation as the actual cause of death.
In total, the Soroti Tribunal handled 18 cases, including five hearings, six decisions, two rulings, and five defense submissions covering both the Teso and Elgon regions.
The awards underscore UHRC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accountability and justice for victims of human rights violations across the country.
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