Four residents of Hoima District in the Bunyoro Sub-region have finally received justice after years of pain and suffering. The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has awarded them a total of Shs69.5 million as compensation for torture and unlawful detention. The decision was made by the UHRC Tribunal during a special sitting at the Commission’s Hoima Regional Office on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The Tribunal, led by UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya and fellow Commissioners Hon. Hajat Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, reviewed the case of Kirungi Simon, his wife Nsungwa Scovia, Kyaligonza Fred, and Kwikiriza Peregrini — all residents of Ruhunga village in Buhimba, Hoima District.
In 2008, the four were arrested on suspicion of murdering Nsungwa Margaret, the sister of then Buhaguzi MP Hon. Tom Kyahurwenda. The UHRC found that the accusations were false and that the police had treated the suspects with shocking brutality.
One of the victims, Kirungi, was arrested by police on June 1, 2008, and taken to Mugoro Forest. There, officers forced him to carry body parts of the deceased to the police station. Once in custody, he and the other complainants were subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment. They were beaten, burned with molten plastic, undressed, forced to sit on biting red ants, and even had parts of their flesh cut off — all in an effort to make them confess to a crime they did not commit.
The situation was made worse by how long they were kept in custody. Kirungi and Kyaligonza were held for 11 days, Kwikiriza for 8 days, and Nsungwa for 14 days — far beyond the 48-hour legal limit. In May 2011, the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped all charges against them, proving their innocence.
After reviewing all the evidence, the UHRC Tribunal ruled that the victims’ rights had been seriously violated. They awarded each of the three male victims Shs20 million in general damages. For the time spent in unlawful detention, the Tribunal gave Shs2 million to Kirungi and Kyaligonza, Shs1.5 million to Kwikiriza, and Shs4 million to Nsungwa.
This ruling sends a strong message that torture and abuse of power by security forces will not go unpunished. It also shows the importance of institutions like the Uganda Human Rights Commission in protecting citizens’ rights and holding wrongdoers accountable.
For the victims, this judgment may not erase the pain of what they went through, but it is a major step toward healing and reclaiming their dignity.
