KAMPALA– As we are left with a few months to the 2026 general elections, Ugandans have been asked to involve themselves directly in all issues concerning their country.
During the commemoration of the United Nations international day in support of victims of torture, organized by Uganda Law Society at their head office in Kampala, various participants pointed out that cases of human rights violations tend to rise in election period, fueled by mostly those in power or leadership positions.
“Considering the previous trend, elections in Uganda have been characterized with violence and many cases of Human Rights violation, if we follow the trend, the coming elections may be even worse. Any body who wants to bring to end the torture political manipulation and others , you must participate directly into the affairs of your country.” Remarked Rtd General Mugisha Muntu, President for Alliance for National Transformation Party.
Muntu made this comment, having realized that majority of the people of the voting age in the room, were not ready to participate in the forthcoming elections and didn’t have direct attachment to any political parties in the country.
“The society has two types of people named; Those who are driven by self interest, their needs are above everything else, that is what drives them. Those who believe that for them to be secure, they need to focus on building a community or clan to which they belong.” he added
Anthony Asiimwe, the Vice President of Uganda Law Society expressed concern about the increasing cases of torture in a country like Uganda which has a number of laws and legal framework aimed curbing this vice.
“We see people being compensated but we don’t see convictions. We ask ourselves where are the commanders being held personally liable or accountable since many perpetrators are always the men in uniform.” remarked Asiimwe
He therefore urged all the concerned authorities, to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished because it’s the only way of bringing to an end to the cases of human rights violation.
Paul Kirya, the Communications and Advocacy Officer at African Centre for Treatment of Torture Victims (ACTV) stated that it is unfortunate that most leaders in Uganda have decided to define human rights differently from internationally recognized standards. “Human Rights are considered privileges not freedoms, discussing violence and torture free elections are among the most dreaded topics which many fear to talk about, thus affecting their freedom of expression provided under the Constitution.”
Paul also pointed out , that although human rights are non derogable, many people in the citizens have lost hope in advocating for their rights.
“When we were documenting victims of electoral violence in Masaka, these people said that we can share the story but there is nothing you can do, on further interrogation, the victims stated that people who tortured them promised to come back to them.”
Kakwenza Rukirabashaija , a novelist and lawyer and a torture survivor currently in exile, while participating in this engagement via zoom, noted that Uganda has good laws against torture but the level of implementation is still lacking.
“The Judiciary must play it’s constitutional role properly e.g remanding people pending investigations , deprive them their rights. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in politically motivated cases like mine , even if you undress yourself and they see fresh wounds of torture, they will oppose your bail and have you remanded.” Submitted Kakwenza
He also asked the Uganda Prison Authority to stop admitting victims of torture that have not received treatment.
Nansamba Mutumba, the UHRC Director in charge of complaints and Investigations, on representing Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission, called upon victims of human rights violations , to continue reporting and following up on their cases because their ready to handle them.
“Where the Commission has done good, give it the credit instead of looking at the negative part at all times. Every year we compile a report, with recommendations to Parliament. I call upon everyone, to use all the available platforms to amplify them than leaving our every thing to the Commission.”
Nansamba also added that the Commission uses its powers to intervene wherever it receives a case on human rights violations adding that they are currently investigating 90 cases of torture reported since 2024.
