In a landmark move, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has issued Shs74 million in compensation to human rights victims in the Teso Sub-region. The tribunal, presided over by Mariam Wangadya, delivered its decisions at a series of hearings, finally delivering some justice to individuals and families who have been wronged by security agents.

The most significant case was that of Phylis Chepkwemoi, a 42-year-old widow from Kapsiywo in Bukwo District. Chepkwemoi, on behalf of her six children, testified before the Commission that she was being compensated for the death of her husband, Gilbert Cherotwo, by Anti-Stock Theft Unit police and UPDF soldiers stationed at Seredet Detach. She was compensated Shs60 million by the Commission for the brutal and unjust way in which her husband had been killed.

The tragic incident occurred on November 4, 2004, when 17 armed soldiers broke into Cherotwo’s home and found him in his garden garden working. They accused him of possessing a gun, which he denied. The soldiers assaulted him for hours despite his cries before they led him to the detach. Chepkwemoi found her husband’s body at Bukwo Hospital mortuary the next day.

The Commission described Cherotwo’s final few hours as “unspeakable” when soldiers acted like a “lynch mob.” They ignored the deposition of George Chepnoyen, LC1 Chairman for the area, that Cherotwo was unarmed. The soldiers retaliated against Cherotwo to a false report by his creditor, who maliciously accused Cherotwo of carrying an unlicensed firearm. “This is unacceptable,” the Commission ruled, awarding Shs60 million for violation of Cherotwo’s right to life. In another instance, the tribunal awarded Shs10 million to David Olobo, a 54-year-old man in Kamuda Sub-county in Soroti District.

Olobo was beaten up by police officers when they attempted to arrest him on April 19, 2013, and suffered a broken arm. The officers had come to his house at 5 a.m. to arrest him, but Olobo refused to comply without his area Chairperson. The officers retaliated by hitting him on the head with a gun butt, causing a simple fracture. The actions of the officers were condemned by the Commission which stated, “Hitting his arm with a gun butt and breaking it was totally unjustified. Such acts of impunity cannot be tolerated.” The Shs10 million was paid for violation of Olobo’s freedom against torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Another case was that of Lawrence Ojur’s, who is 38 and comes from Osongai in Katakwi District.

Two police constables, Apapai Police Post, were involved in the attack. Ojur was accused of raping Opus’ niece, Auma Agnes. The tribunal, however, found that Ojur had reported inappropriately to the Uganda Police, whose role in the torture was negligible. The Commission paid Ojur Shs4 million. These decisions highlight the continuing abuses of human rights in Uganda, particularly by the security forces. The UHRC findings confirm that such atrocities will not be tolerated and that victims have a right to justice and redress. The hearings of the tribunal, which commenced on February 24, 2025, will address another 18 allegations of human rights violations. The cases underscore the significance of the work of the UHRC in ensuring accountability for perpetrators and providing redress to victims.

For others, the compensation is closure after years of agony and suffering. Phylis Chepkwemoi, whose husband was killed so brutally, can now look forward to a bright future for her children. David Olobo and Lawrence Ojur, who endured physical and psychological trauma, can begin to rebuild their lives. But the awards also raise fundamental questions of accountability and prevention. Compensation is one step in the right direction, but change in the system is required so that such atrocities do not occur again in the future. The UHRC has called for greater monitoring of security forces and stronger enforcement of human rights laws.

The cases also highlight the importance of sensitization in the community and access to justice. The majority of victims of human rights violations lack knowledge of their rights and access to justice. Institutions like the UHRC play an important role in bridging this gap, providing a platform for victims to narrate their experiences and access redress.

Lastly, the UHRC’s decision to pay compensation to victims of human rights violations in Teso worth Shs74 million is a step towards accountability and justice. Although the compensation cannot undo the pain and suffering that the victims endured, it reaffirms their circumstances and brings a respite. With the tribunal continuing to hold its hearings, optimism arises that more victims will be avenged and Uganda draws near to a day when human rights are valued and protected for all.