The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe by-election, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, has petitioned the court over alleged inhumane treatment during the recently concluded campaigns.
Through his legal team, led by George Musisi, Nalukoola is seeking a court declaration that the actions against him were unlawful, along with compensation. He and his supporters were reportedly harassed by security agencies, including the Joint Anti-Task Force.
“Through my lawyers, we have already filed a case before this court, complaining about the inhumane and degrading treatment I was subjected to by officers clad in black masks. They claimed to be from JAT, a security organization under the UPDF, operating under the government of Uganda,” Nalukoola stated.
“We are seeking legal remedies, and we believe the court will rule that such actions violated constitutional provisions, including Article 24, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment as a non-derogable right. We trust that the court will deliver justice,” he added.
Musisi also condemned the treatment Nalukoola faced following his nomination. “We assert that the intentional infliction of pain, torture, flogging, humiliation, and the violation of his rights not just as a human being but also as a candidate were unconstitutional,” he said.
He further described the harassment, torture, unlawful arrest, and detention of Nalukoola, followed by his release without charge, as blatant violations of the law.
“We are seeking court orders declaring these actions unlawful and demanding compensation. Additionally, and most importantly for all Ugandans, we seek a declaration that the actions of these shadowy forces who wore masks, hoods, and assaulted people, including journalists were wrong,” Musisi emphasized.
