By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal sitting in Mbarara City has granted a combined Shs160 million in compensation to victims of severe human rights abuses, following two separate judgments delivered this week.
In the first ruling, announced by the Commission Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, the Tribunal awarded Shs80 million to Mr. Visensio Mucunguzi, a resident of Rwenkuriju B Village in Mitooma District. The compensation stems from the fatal shooting of his son, Serestino Tumwijukye.
Tumwijukye, who worked as a boda boda rider at Omukabanda Trading Centre, lost his life on March 1, 2015, after being shot by Sgt. Bagambireryo Apulinali, then Officer-in-Charge of Kashongororo Police Post.
Evidence presented before the Tribunal showed that Sgt. Bagambireryo discharged three bullets into a crowded trading centre at around 8:00pm, a time when many motorcycle riders were gathered waiting for customers.
“He fired three shots toward a boda boda stage during a peak hour, fully aware—as a trained officer and the area commander—that doing so was highly likely to cause loss of life,” Hon. Wangadya stated.
The Tribunal also referenced a letter written by the then Mitooma District Police Commander, ASP Adam Kakaire Mulondo, confirming that Sgt. Bagambireryo had been charged with murder and remanded to Bushenyi Government Prison.
“The Police’s decision to charge him with murder, rather than manslaughter, demonstrates that they too regarded the act as intentional,” the ruling highlighted.
Of the Shs80 million compensation, Shs5 million each will be given to Tumwijukye’s mother, Leticia Birungi, and to his widow, Scovia Twikyirize. The remaining Shs70 million will be managed by Mr. Mucunguzi on behalf of Tumwijukye’s two children, Isaiah Taremwa and Victor Nabasa.
