Justice Served!! UHRC Awards Shs69.5m to Torture Victims in Bunyoro

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has delivered long-awaited justice to four people from Hoima District who suffered severe torture and wrongful detention over false murder accusations. In a powerful ruling made on June 23rd, 2025, the UHRC Tribunal awarded a total of Shs69.5 million in compensation to the victims for the pain, suffering, and human rights violations they endured.

The Tribunal was chaired by the UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya alongside Hon. Hajat Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru. Their week-long session took place at the Commission’s Hoima Regional Office, focusing on cases from the Bunyoro Sub-region.

The victims — Kirungi Simon and his wife Nsungwa Scovia, Kyaligonza Fred, and Kwikiriza Peregrini — were all arrested in 2008 following the murder of Nsungwa Margaret, sister to the then Member of Parliament for Buhaguzi, Hon. Tom Kyahurwenda. The four, all residents of Ruhunga village in Buhimba, were falsely accused of involvement in the murder.

According to the UHRC’s findings, the ordeal began on June 1st, 2008, when Kirungi was arrested by officers from Hoima Police Station and taken to Mugoro Forest. In a horrifying account, the Tribunal heard that he was forced to carry the body parts of the deceased to the police station. Once detained, the victims were subjected to extreme torture. They were beaten, burned with molten plastic, stripped naked, made to sit in red ants, and even had flesh cut from their bodies. These brutal actions were aimed at forcing confessions from the victims.

The suffering didn’t end there. The victims were held in police custody far beyond the legal time limit. Kirungi and Kyaligonza were detained for 11 days, Kwikiriza for 8 days, and Nsungwa for a shocking 14 days. All this time, they were being tortured for a crime they did not commit. Eventually, in May 2011, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped all murder charges against them.

In its ruling, the Tribunal declared that their rights had been grossly violated — particularly their right to freedom from torture and the right to liberty. It awarded each of the three male victims Shs20 million in general damages. In addition, compensation for violation of personal liberty was awarded: Shs2 million each to Kirungi and Kyaligonza, Shs1.5 million to Kwikiriza, and Shs4 million to Nsungwa.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system and the importance of holding state actors accountable. The Uganda Human Rights Commission continues to play a crucial role in defending the rights of all Ugandans, ensuring that justice is served, even if delayed.

For the victims, this ruling is more than just financial compensation it is a public acknowledgment of the injustice they suffered and a step toward healing and restoration.