After nearly two decades of pain and silence, four residents of Hoima District have finally received justice. The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chaired by Adv. Mariam Wangadya has awarded them a total of Shs69.5 million as compensation for the cruel treatment they faced in 2008.
The four Kirungi Simon, his wife Nsungwa Scovia, Kyaligonza Fred, and Kwikiriza Peregrini were wrongfully arrested and accused of murder. They were picked up after the death of Nsungwa Margaret, a sister to former Buhaguzi MP Hon. Tom Kyahurwenda. At the time, all the victims lived in Ruhunga village, in Buhimba, Hoima District.
The UHRC Tribunal chaired by Wangadya herself and sitting at the Hoima Regional Office during a week-long session that began on Monday, June 23, 2025, heard how the group was tortured and detained unlawfully by police. To reach this decision, Wangadya held the session alongside fellow commissioners Hon. Hajat Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru.
According to the facts presented, Kirungi was the first to be arrested. He was taken to Mugoro Forest, where police officers forced him to carry body parts of the deceased back to the station. Once in custody, the group was brutally tortured. They were beaten, burned with molten plastic, stripped, and made to sit on biting red ants. They also suffered cuts to their bodies all in an attempt to force confessions.
The law requires that anyone arrested must be brought to court within 48 hours. But this was not followed. Kirungi and Kyaligonza were held for 11 days, Kwikiriza for 8 days, and Nsungwa Scovia for 14 days. All this happened without any formal charges.
In May 2011, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped the case, officially clearing them of the murder. Still, the physical and emotional damage had already been done.
In its 23-page ruling, the UHRC Tribunal recognized the violation of the victims’ rights, especially their freedom from torture and right to liberty.
As a result, the Tribunal awarded Shs20 million each to Kirungi, Kyaligonza, and Kwikiriza for the torture they suffered. For the illegal detention, Kirungi and Kyaligonza received an additional Shs2 million each, Kwikiriza got Shs1.5 million, and Nsungwa Scovia was awarded Shs4 million.
This ruling is a strong message that no one should suffer in silence. It also shows that the UHRC is committed to protecting the rights of all Ugandans, especially those whose voices have been ignored for too long.
Though it took many years, the victims now have the justice and recognition they deserve. Their suffering has not been forgotten and their courage to speak out has helped make Uganda a fairer country.
