The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal has ordered the government to compensate Arodu Herbert with Shs 9 million for torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

In 2010, Arodu Herbert sued the Attorney General before the Commission, seeking compensation for alleged torture and illegal detention.

According to the complaint, Arodu was arrested on March 8, 2010, and detained at Kira Road Police Station on allegations of stealing office equipment. On March 11, he was transferred to the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) base in Kireka, where he was subjected to severe abuse.

He stated that RRU operatives handcuffed him, tied him to a metallic pole in a squatting position, blindfolded him, and beat him all over his body. He was slapped on the head and hit on the knees, elbows, and legs with timber. He further alleged that he was kicked in the chest and punched in the stomach before being detained in a cell.

While in detention, he was reportedly beaten again by operatives, including one identified as Rukundo, while lying on a metallic pole. He claimed that he was threatened with death if he did not reveal the location of the alleged stolen items.

“I was beaten until I lost consciousness and later regained it at Mulago Regional Referral Hospital. After receiving treatment, I was returned to RRU and detained until March 31, 2010. I was then taken back to Kira Road Police Station and finally presented in court on April 1, 2010, where I was granted bail,” Arodu said.

He argued that his detention exceeded the 48-hour constitutional limit and that the beatings amounted to a violation of his right to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and his personal liberty.

The Tribunal, chaired by Miriam Wangadya, found that Arodu’s rights were violated by state agents, for which the government was held vicariously liable.

“Given the extent of injuries suffered—including damage to his ankles, elbows, and legs, and the expert witness’s finding of 12% permanent disability—we award the complainant Shs 8 million as compensation for the violation of his right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” Wangadya ruled.

The Tribunal also awarded Shs 1 million for the violation of Arodu’s right to personal liberty.

The total award of Shs 9 million will accrue interest at the court rate from the date of the decision until full payment.

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