By Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe North by-election, has filed a lawsuit against the Ugandan government, alleging torture and unlawful detention by security operatives.
In a suit lodged with the High Court’s Civil Division, Mr. Nalukoola accuses the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT), operating under the Uganda Police Force, of subjecting him to severe physical abuse and degrading treatment.
According to Mr. Nalukoola’s affidavit, he was violently arrested on February 26, 2025—the day of his nomination—by hooded security operatives clad in black police uniforms. He describes being forcefully thrown to the ground, beaten with electric cables, punched, kicked, and stripped during the arrest.
“The wanton beating, flogging, and deliberate infliction of severe pain infringed on my fundamental human rights,” he stated.
His suit details further violations, including illegal detention at Kawempe Police Station, where he claims he was held for four hours without being informed of any charges. Additionally, he asserts that he was denied medical treatment and later forced into an unmarked drone van, where he was “stuffed beneath the rear seat and continuously punched and stepped on.”
Mr. Nalukoola argues that his treatment at the hands of masked security officers, operating with unregistered vehicles, was not only unlawful but also a direct violation of his constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom from torture. He contends that the incident was a calculated effort to intimidate him and derail his political aspirations.
In his petition, Mr. Nalukoola seeks:
- A court declaration affirming that his rights were violated.
- Compensation for physical and psychological damages.
- Immediate medical and psychological rehabilitation.
- A public apology from the government.
- Guarantees of non-repetition of similar human rights abuses.
The Attorney General has been named as the respondent in the case, and the High Court is expected to set a hearing date soon. This lawsuit is expected to reignite debates on the conduct of security agencies and the protection of human rights, particularly in the lead-up to election.
