OSUKURU, Uganda — A 75-year-old man accused of indecent exposure and abusive behavior was publicly whipped by clan elders and fined 100,000 shillings ($27) after a community hearing, according to local residents.
Samuel Odoi, known as “Tan Saba,” was given 12 strokes of the cane by the Ikaruwok Luka’pua clan elders’ council on Saturday. The council, chaired by Francis Adilu, found Odoi guilty of undressing before his daughter-in-law and using obscene language.
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The elders’ council heard that Odoi’s behavior had caused significant family strife, driving away his wife and disrupting his sons’ marriages. His eldest son, Dickson Okiru, reportedly abandoned his home due to the misconduct.
Mary Amoding, Odoi’s daughter-in-law, testified that the elderly man had exposed himself to her on one occasion and regularly hurled vulgar insults. Neighbors also complained that Odoi’s verbal abuse often extended to them and their children.
Clan elder Tobias Emejje warned Odoi to reconcile with his family. The elders’ council also reprimanded Odoi’s son, Henry Oroma, and his wife Amoding for trading insults with him, subjecting them to a few strokes of the cane as well.
Legal experts said the caning constitutes corporal punishment and is illegal under Uganda’s Constitution, which prohibits cruel and inhuman treatment. Lawyer Arnold Kimara said the victim could take legal action against those who administered the caning. Lawyer Bruce Musinguzi added that only subordinate courts can order community service as a disciplinary measure.
