KAMPALA- As Uganda is left with a few months to the 2026 general elections, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and partners revealed, that although the country has several laws aimed conducting a peaceful elections, many times end up to be violent.
“Uganda has robust electoral laws like the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act, the Presidential Elections Act and the Political Parties and Organizations Act among others. These legal instruments are designed to ensure peaceful, fair and inclusive elections. But laws alone are not enough because they must be held and accountability must follow breach..”” remarked UHRC Commissioner Crispin Kaheru on addressing journalists on preparations for the celebrations of United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
That although there are some improvements registered in Uganda’s Electoral processes , acts of torture tend to increase during periods of political contestation.
“Law enforcement must operate with restraint, professionalism, and absolute respect for human dignity. Survivors of torture often suffer from long-term psychological effects-depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. These are injuries that are invisible but no less real. Uganda’s limited access to mental health care only deepens this crisis.”
Herbert Samuel Nsubuga, Chairperson for Coalition against Torture in Uganda, called on government and partners to prioritize psychosocial support and rehabilitation for torture survivors because healing is not optional but It is a right.
“We urge the Government of Uganda to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy on torture. This commitment must translate into swift investigations, transparent legal processes, and real consequences for those who violate human rights, regardless of rank or role.”
Nsubuga emphasized it further that every allegation of torture must be taken seriously because silence breeds impunity and impunity destroys public trust.
“We call on all law enforcement and security agencies to act in line with Article 221 of the Constitution, and international human rights standards. Upholding human rights is not a choice- it is a legal and moral duty.”
From the recently concluded Kawempe North by election, Nansamba Mutumba, the UHRC Director in charge of complaints and Investigations , revealed that they received a total of 11 complaints 8 of which were from journalists and 3 from private citizens.
“We are in advanced stages of investigating the matter. We have recorded statements from complainants and witnesses. The matters are being handled by our officers at our central office in Naguru and once everything is ready, we shall have them cause listed before the tribunal.”
About the torture allegations against Eddie Mutwe , Nansamba noted that the commission played its part when it ordered for his unconditional release from wherever he was being held incommunicado and later was produced in court.
Uganda will join the rest of the world on 26th June 2025, to celebrate the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), the Coalition Against Torture (CAT), the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) , will hold a series of events to commemorate this year’s celebrations.
