By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal, sitting at the Hoima Regional Office, has awarded a total of Shs69.5 million in general damages to four complainants who were maliciously arrested and tortured following false accusations of murder.
The Tribunal, chaired by Hon. Mariam Wangadya, with Members Hon. Hajat Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, began its weeklong sittings in the Bunyoro Sub-region on Monday, June 23, 2025.
During the session, the Tribunal found that the four complainants Kirungi Simon and his wife Nsungwa Scovia, Kyaligonza Fred, and Kwikiriza Peregrini were unlawfully arrested and tortured after being accused of murdering Nsungwa Margaret, a sister to the then Buhaguzi MP, Hon. Tom Kyahurwenda. All four are residents of Ruhunga, Buhimba, in Hoima District.
In a detailed 23-page ruling delivered by the Chairperson, the Tribunal revealed that on June 1, 2008, Kirungi was arrested by officers from Hoima Police Station and taken to Mugoro Forest. There, he was forced to carry the body parts of the deceased to the police station, where he was subsequently detained.
The complainants recounted harrowing experiences during their detention, alleging that police officers subjected them to severe physical abuse, including beatings, burning with molten plastic, forced nudity, and being made to sit in red ants. They also reported having pieces of flesh cut from their bodies in an effort to extract confessions.
The charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in May 2011.
The Tribunal concluded that their rights had been grossly violated, particularly their right to liberty. Kirungi and Kyaligonza were detained for 11 days, Kwikiriza for 8 days, and Nsungwa for 14 days.
“In consideration of all the above factors, we consider Shs20 million adequate compensation to each of the three complainants Kirungi, Kyaligonza, and Kwikiriza. We also award Shs2 million each to Kirungi and Kyaligonza, Shs1.5 million to Kwikiriza, and Shs4 million to Nsungwa for violations of their right to personal liberty,” the Tribunal ruled.
The ruling stands as a strong condemnation of police brutality and a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to upholding human rights in Uganda.
