The role of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in addressing torture
Abstract
Throughout history, human rights have consistently been violated by various regimes, leading to widespread issues such as torture. Despite continued violations by states, dedicated efforts from human rights activists, advocates, researchers, and institutions persist to bring an end to these abuses. This study focused on the role of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in addressing torture in Uganda. Objectives included assessing torture prevalence, examining its causes and forms, evaluating UHRC's measures to address cases of torture, and identifying challenges faced by the commission. The research covered a period of 11 years which revealed a persistent high prevalence of torture, particularly escalating during elections due to campaign-related chaos. The main causes included extracting information, intimidation, and punishment. Forms of torture ranged from physical to psychological, with emerging methods that left no visible marks. In response, the UHRC implemented various measures such as education, monitoring, training, advocacy, and compensation for victims. However, the commission faces challenges like political interference, insufficient funds, a lack of rule of law, and understaffing, leading to case backlogs and undermining its efforts to address torture cases in Uganda. The study highlighted the complex interplay of political, economic, and institutional factors in the pursuit of human rights protection.