Hi, I am Anguzu, Radio Pacis AI Assistant. How can I help you today? Ask me about Radio Pacis, our programmes, frequencies, news, Arua, or the world around us.
Stakeholders pose for a group photo during the launch at Hunters Nest in Arua City (Phtoto by Martin) By Martin Anguyo Arua City In a bold step towards safeguarding Human Rights, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has unveiled a new Policy Brief, a strategic initiat
Stakeholders pose for a group photo during the launch at Hunters Nest in Arua City (Phtoto by Martin)
By Martin Anguyo
Arua City
In a bold step towards safeguarding Human Rights, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has unveiled a new Policy Brief, a strategic initiative designed to bridge gaps in the enforcement of Anti-Torture Laws, especially during Uganda’s electoral periods.
This program aims to ensure that legal protections against torture are not just theoretical, but actively upheld across all sectors of society.
Anti-torture laws in Uganda, such as the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, are crafted to prevent and penalize acts of torture—defined as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain, often used to extract information or force compliance.
These laws serve a higher purpose: to uphold human dignity, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure accountability for violations.
Mr. Egaru Emmanuel Omiat, the Uganda Law Society Council Representative for Northern Uganda, emphasized that, torture remains one of the most serious human rights violations in the country and requires urgent attention. "It undermines human dignity, the rule of law, trust that are supposed to protect citizens. This is not just a right, it’s under article 44 sub article (A)," Egaru said.
Afra Apio, Head of the Rule of Law Department at the Uganda Law Society, noted that implementation of anti-torture laws is weak across many stakeholders, undermining their effectiveness. "Despite the prevention and prohibition of torture act and other laws, implementation is weak due to gaps in the enforcement, training and coordination. Limited awareness about torture and report mechanism" Apio stated.
Paul Kirya Mukalere, Communications and Advocacy Coordinator, called on the public to be aware of torture practices to avoid becoming victims or inadvertently contributing to such acts. "The torture laws in Uganda are very clear for most of us and assures everyone for its sustainability. Meaning torture is a reality but we need to recognize it at some level" Paul stated.
Jawoku Denis, Deputy Resident Commissioner for Arua District, appealed for proper execution of the policy to ensure its intended benefits are realized. "This policy launch is not an end but the beginning. But, what has transpired today, the sharing of evidences, challenges, must not be translated into actions" Jawoku encouraged.
Over the past decades, Uganda has made significant progress in developing legal frameworks to address torture, both at the national and international levels.
However, enforcement challenges persist, especially during politically sensitive times like elections.
The Policy Brief is a timely intervention to strengthen accountability and promote justice.