RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IN GULU CITY CONCERENED ABOUT TORTURE OF SUSPECTS

By Jimmy Komakech

Gulu

Some Human Right’s advocates and activists in Gulu city are concerned about the inappropriate handling of suspects both members of the public and the security agencies.

Nicholas Ogwang, an official working with Uganda Human Rights commission at the Gulu regional office, during a community dialogue recently organized in Pece Cubu, Pece Laroo Division said that they are witnessing increasing cases of mob actions being practiced by some members of the public and the police are making very minimal effort to avert such unlawful acts.

Ogwang added that their office was very much perturbed by an online video of a woman who was undressed by her fellow women and some men and they paraded her in Kabedopong trading center in Gulu city on allegations that she stole some money.

Alfred Oketayot, the program manager of African Centre for treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims says that awareness is being created for the locals to know the dangers of doing such acts. He notes that handling human beings in such a cruel manner degrades them and tortures them psychologically.

Fiona Aloyo, the legal assistant at FIDA Uganda Gulu Office says that they are currently sensitizing the masses to know the reporting pathways in an event when someone`s rights has been violated. She appealed to the public to avoid taking laws in to their hands in the name of addressing an issue.  

Peter Banya, the deputy Resident City Commissioner for Pece Laroo division Gulu city urged the community members to practice civility and desist from taking laws in to their hands warning them that whoever shall be caught the long arm of the law will deal with them.

The dialogue was part of the belated celebration of International Day in support of Victim of torture which is commemorated on 26th June every year.