The High Court in Kampala has directed Hajji Abdul Kiyimba, the former mayor of Kyengera Town Council, along with the town council, to compensate 20 individuals who suffered torture during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. Justice Douglas Singiza ruled that each victim should receive UGX 7.5 million, with the amount covering both general and exemplary damages, to be shared equally between Kiyimba and the town council.
The case stemmed from an incident on March 29, 2020, in Nkokonjeru ‘A’ village, Kyengera, where the victims were arrested during a lockdown operation. While the arrests were reportedly carried out under the pretext of enforcing Covid-19 regulations, the victims accused the authorities of targeting them due to alleged suspicions of homosexuality—a claim they denied.
Court findings confirmed that the detainees were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. Justice Singiza emphasized that their ordeal constituted acts of torture, which are a blatant violation of their rights.
Represented by the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), led by lawyer Adrian Juuko, the victims recounted their suffering, detailing the severe abuse they endured during detention. The ruling underscores the need for accountability and respect for human dignity, even during public health emergencies.
