The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has ordered government agencies to compensate victims of past human rights violations with a total of Shs115 million, following tribunal sessions that opened this week at the Commission’s Gulu Regional Offices.
The week-long sittings, chaired by UHRC boss Hon. Mariam Wangadya, are being handled by a panel that also includes Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru.
Among the most significant rulings was the case of a brutal shooting in October 2003, when Pte Okello Ocii of the UPDF’s Juliet Battalion gunned down two women, Apio Grace and Agnes Atuku, and left 14-year-old Doris Adong gravely injured.
Testifying before the Commission, Adong recalled: “On October 14th, 2003 Ocii ordered us out; me, Apio and Atuku. He shot Apio who ran and fell at a neighbor’s place. He returned to me and I ran. He fired a bullet at the back of my head.”
The panel noted that her testimony had remained consistent for over 15 years, strengthening her case. “On the balance of probabilities, the respondent’s agent violated Adong’s right to protection from cruel and inhuman treatment,” the ruling stated, adding that the soldier was at the time acting in the course of his employment with the state.
As redress, Shs70 million was awarded to Apio’s brother, Lawrence Opio, for loss of life, while Adong herself will receive Shs20 million for torture and degrading treatment.
The tribunal also delivered justice to Moses Mogi, a former inmate who endured repeated torture and forced labor at Pece Local Government Prison, Gulu Central Prison, and later at Loro Prison Farm.
Mogi narrated how warders and fellow inmates mercilessly beat him, forcing him to work despite swollen hands, chest pains, and untreated wounds. He was even denied access to medicine his relatives had brought.
“The conditions to which Mogi was subjected while in Pece and Loro prisons were akin to slavery and servitude,” Hon. Nsubuga ruled. The Commission awarded him Shs25 million.
Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, the UHRC Director for Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services, reminded both the UPDF and Uganda Prisons that the awards carry 10% annual interest until payment is completed. “The Commission will follow up to ensure victims get their due compensation,” she said.
The Gulu sessions are also handling at least 20 pending complaints from the wider Acholi sub-region, with more rulings expected before the week concludes.