Eight victims of police brutality have filed lawsuits against the Ugandan government and ten police officers, alleging human rights violations through illegal arrests and detentions. The case, lodged at the High Court in Kampala, names Mr. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Attorney General, and ten police officers in their private capacities.
These officers include Alex Nsenge, James Okoth, Martin Okoyo, Twinamatsiko Onesmus, James Wabwire, Jacob Bwire Wandera, David Nahamya, Mr. Okello (head of the Field Force Unit at Jinja Road Police Station), Patrick Opiyo, and Alex Micwemirungi.
The plaintiffs, Bob Barigye, Alphonse Nkurunziza, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, Gerald Wenani, David Musiri, Sanya Ivan Elvis, Debbo Sean Tevin, and Ssekandi Eric, are part of a larger group of over 192 human rights defenders who have faced various violations. These activists include youth, students, civil society groups, and communities affected by oil projects, who are campaigning for human and environmental rights.
Led by their lawyers, Eron Kiiza, Peter Arinitwe, and Anthony Odur, the activists claim their campaigns aim to combat risky oil activities, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the Tilenga oil project, and the Hoima refinery oil project. They also focus on protecting Bugoma Forest, Lakes Albert and Victoria, the River Nile, and Murchison Falls National Park, as well as safeguarding local communities from unfair land acquisitions.
The plaintiffs accuse the government, police, Resident District Commissioners, the army, and private companies, especially oil firms, of violating their rights to own land, assemble, demonstrate peacefully, associate, and move freely. Specific incidents of illegal arrests and detentions from October 2022 to June 2024 are cited in the lawsuit.
Lawyer Anthony Odur highlighted several key incidents, including the illegal detention of university students and youth during a peaceful march to the European Union offices in Kampala in October 2022. Other notable incidents include the arrest and detention of EACOP activists in December 2022, human rights activists in January 2023, and protesters against fossil fuel investments in September 2023.
In their suit, the human rights defenders seek a court declaration that the actions of the government and police amounted to torture, brutality, and inhuman and degrading treatment, contrary to Articles 24 and 44 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. They also want a declaration that the police’s obstruction of their peaceful demonstrations violated their rights to assemble, associate, move, and freedom of speech and expression, as guaranteed by Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution.
Additionally, the activists are requesting the court to order compensation for the violations suffered and damages incurred, as provided under Article 50 of the Constitution. They also seek a permanent injunction to halt all illegal actions by the police and the government, allowing human rights defenders to carry out their work freely.
