Gulu City, Uganda: The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) tribunal sitting in Gulu has awarded Shs115 million in compensation to victims of human rights violations, marking a milestone in the long struggle for justice by survivors of torture, unlawful killings, and arbitrary state actions in Northern Uganda.
The ruling, delivered on behalf of the commissioners by Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, saw Shs70 million awarded to Opio Lawrence and Akech Fiona over the death of their wife and mother, respectively, Shs20 million to Adong Doris for injuries sustained during an indiscriminate shooting, and Shs25 million to Mogi Moses, a torture survivor incarcerated at Pece and Loro government prisons.
Pauline Nasamba Mutumba, the UHRC Director of Complaints and Legal Services, said the tribunal’s decision was firmly rooted in the evidence presented.
“The complainants presented sufficient evidence proving that their rights were infringed upon. The commission is mandated to ensure justice is delivered where violations occur, and this award is part of fulfilling that responsibility,” she explained.
Regional Human Rights Officer Fiona Opoka acknowledged delays in ruling but reassured victims that justice remains the Commission’s priority.
“Sometimes rulings take time, but that does not mean victims will be denied justice. This week alone, the tribunal will hear, decide, and award compensation where there is sufficient evidence,” she said.
The tribunal, which is currently handling 21 cases at various stages, has been tasked with addressing a backlog of complaints, many of which stem from Uganda’s two-decade insurgency in the north. Opoka noted that many of these cases involve torture, unlawful detention, and killings carried out during the conflict.
One of the most harrowing testimonies came from torture survivor Mogi Moses. Commissioner Simon Nsubuga, who chaired his case, noted that Mogi lives with permanent deformities as a result of severe beatings.
“Such scars are a reminder of the brutality victims suffered, and it is our role as a tribunal to restore dignity by ensuring justice is served,” Nsubuga said.
The tribunal further ruled that all awards will attract a 10 percent annual interest in case of delayed payment, holding the state accountable for timely redress.
The Gulu sitting, presided over by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, is part of ongoing nationwide sessions aimed at fast-tracking justice for victims of rights abuses.
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