UPDF on the spot for torturing street criminals in Gulu

Summary:

• Thirty-three members of the Aguu street group accuse UPDF personnel of rights violations, alleging torture and violence, as reported by civil society organizations, with conflicting statements from military officials; in 2023, 878 new human rights violation cases were recorded in northern Uganda.

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At least 33 members belonging to the notorious group known locally as Aguu have come forward, alleging that UPDF personnel violated their rights. Reports of numerous instances of torture and other forms of violence were lodged with civil society organizations.

Alfred Oketa, the program coordinator for the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, disclosed these statistics while presenting a joint statement from the West Acholi Civil Society Organization at a press conference held in Gulu City’s Human Rights Commission office.

The civil society organization emphasized in its statement that 33 Aguu members claimed to have been subjected to torture by the UPDF. According to the Aguu members, they were arrested, taken to a UPDF detention center, tortured, and subsequently released.

Jordan Megolonyo, the legal officer at ACTV, stated that the cases were reported through their toll-free line, while other Aguu members reported their incidents to local leaders, who then forwarded them to ACTV for legal assistance and rehabilitation.

Megolonyo highlighted that the victims exhibited bodily injuries inflicted on various body parts, including joints, chests, backs, and heads, with a focus on disabling their movement.

Major Nicholas Abiribale, the fourth division community liaison officer, denied the allegations, stating that no such cases were reported to them.

However, Major Telesphor Turamumanya, the fourth infantry division army spokesperson, acknowledged that the UPDF occasionally arrests criminal individuals using UPDF attire. For those deemed less threatening, they are typically handed over to the police.

He encouraged anyone with evidence of torture by the UPDF to bring it forward so that appropriate action can be taken against the responsible officer.

In 2023, a total of 878 new cases of human rights violations were documented in northern Uganda, comprising 527 male and 351 female victims.