The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal sitting in Mbarara City has awarded Shs160 million in compensation to victims of human rights violations, issuing two major rulings during its ongoing sessions at the regional office.
In the first decision, the Tribunal awarded Shs80 million to Visensio Mucunguzi, a farmer from Rwenkuriju B Village in Mitooma District, whose son, Serestino Tumwijukye, was shot dead by the then Officer-in-Charge of Kashongororo Police Post, Sgt. Bagambireryo Apulinali, on March 1, 2015. Tumwijukye, a boda boda rider at Omukabanda trading center, was killed when the officer fired three shots toward a crowded stage at around 8:00pm.
The Tribunal noted that as a trained police officer and head of the police post, Bagambireryo should have known that shooting in that direction would likely cause death or serious harm. After firing the fatal shot, he reportedly fled the scene. A letter from the then Mitooma District Police Commander, ASP Adam Kakaire Mulondo, confirmed that a murder case was opened and the officer was remanded to Bushenyi Government Prison.
The Tribunal ordered government to pay Shs5 million each to Tumwijukye’s mother, Leticia Birungi, and his wife, Scovia Twikyirize. The remaining Shs70 million will be managed by Mucunguzi for the benefit of the deceased’s two children, Isaiah Taremwa and Victor Nabasa.
In a separate ruling, the Tribunal awarded Shs80 million to widow Peruth Abigaba following the death of her husband, Bernard Muhoozi, in a police cell at Kishozi Police Post. Muhoozi, a former trader at Kibutana Cell in Sheema Town Council, had earlier agreed to compensate LC1 chairperson Samuel Kabaranzi after a fight, and had paid Shs100,000 of the agreed Shs150,000 before he was arrested.
Two days after his detention, Abigaba was informed by Muhoozi’s friend, David Asiimwe Mweebe, that her husband had died in custody. His body was later delivered to their home in a police vehicle from Sheema Police Station.
The Tribunal also dismissed two other complaints after the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims. The Commission panel, currently handling 19 cases during the week-long session, includes members Simeo Nsubuga and Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru.
Under Article 53 of the Constitution, the UHRC is empowered to hear and determine human rights complaints and provide appropriate redress.
