Gulu, (UG):- The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has commenced a three-day Human Rights Tribunal Session in Gulu city, Acholi sub-region, from March 5-7, 2025 to ensure residents have justice they were seeking for.
This session aims to address 18 complaints related to human rights violations in northern Uganda, providing a crucial platform for victims to seek justice, reparations, and closure.
The northern Uganda conflict, which lasted nearly two decades, has had a profound impact on the region. The conflict encompassed five different rebellions and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in the region.
The UHRC’s efforts to address these human rights violations are a critical step towards promoting accountability, justice, and reparations for victims and their families.
According to the Cause List (Schedule) issued by Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, the Commission will handle complaints within the UHRC’s Northern Uganda office jurisdiction.
The tribunal, chaired by Hon. Wangadya and comprising at least three Commission members, will ensure a thorough and fair examination of each case, taking into account the complexities and sensitivities involved.
The sessions are part of the Commission’s mandate under Article 52 (1) (a), 53 (1), and 53(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which emphasizes the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
Opoka Fiona Regional human right officer Achoil sub region said that the UHRC has held about 50 sittings since its inception in 1998, providing justice to many individuals, promoting a culture of human rights in the region, and contributing to the country’s efforts to strengthen its human rights framework.
“We as the human rights commission want to do what we can do to ensure people have justice for the crime committed against them mainly by the Uganda People’s Defence Force and also police and Uganda prison,” Opoka said.
Opoka also added that Uganda Human Rights Commission conducts two court sitting years to help in clearing the court backlog and also help in giving out justice to the affected people
Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, Director of Complaints Investigation and Legal Services, highlighted the significant backlog of over 1100 pending cases in the Acholi sub-region but Gulu city has about 170 pending cases in the tribune.
She added that many of the cases date back to the northern insurgency, with allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, and other human rights abuses committed by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) between 2000 and 2006.
During the session, the tribunal directed that a client be compensated UGX 60 million for damages caused to their family in 2006 when the Uganda People’s Defence Forces killed their father, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and reparations.
Komakech Partick Juu, a resident whose case began in 2006, praised the tribunal for standing with him and ensuring justice was served, expressing his gratitude for the Commission’s efforts to provide closure and redress.
The UHRC faces significant challenges, including budget constraints that have paralyzed its tribunal work. The Commission relies heavily on development partners for financial support, and their withdrawal has left a substantial funding gap.
Despite these challenges, the UHRC remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Uganda, working tirelessly to ensure that victims receive justice and perpetrators are held accountable.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing human rights concerns, promoting accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
Kevin Atimango, a resident of Gulu city, emphasized the need for the UHRC to create awareness among security personnel to prevent torture and human rights abuses. She noted that many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for victims to come forward.
The UHRC faces significant funding challenges, which have impacted its ability to conduct tribunal sessions. Morris Odong appealed to the government and development partners to provide adequate funding to support the UHRC’s work so that people are supported well because many people believe in their ruling more than the real court.
“There is a need for the government to hold the hand of the Uganda Human Rights Commission with funds that can help them support their clients to obtain justice without taking long”
He also added that the UHRC must create awareness among security personnel and the general public about human rights and the importance of reporting human rights abuses. The commission, he said, must ensure that victims of human rights abuses receive adequate support and protection, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance.
The UHRC’s efforts to promote human rights, provide justice to victims, and hold perpetrators accountable are crucial in promoting a culture of human rights in Uganda.
As the Commission continues to work towards a human rights-based approach to development, it is essential that all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international community, support its efforts to promote and protect human rights in Uganda.
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