In a call to action, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has demanded that the government compensate individuals subjected to severe human rights violations, particularly those who have endured prolonged and unjust detention.
This plea follows a report by the Committee on Human Rights, which exposed shocking cases of prisoners languishing in detention for over 28 years without trial.
During the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, Tayebwa expressed his deep concern over this situation, which he described as both "unacceptable" and "negligent."
He questioned how it was possible for individuals to be held in prison for nearly three decades without facing a court of law, calling it a scenario more fitting for a movie plot than reality.
“This matter goes beyond just the release of two prisoners; it is a reflection of a systemic failure that must be addressed holistically to ensure that this injustice never happens again."
Tayebwa remarked, emphasizing the need for urgent action from the government.The report, tabled by Committee Chairperson Hon.
Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, highlighted several grave issues regarding pre-trial detention, drawing attention to the violation of detainees' rights.
In particular, the report sheds light on the plight of individuals who have been in remand for decades without trial.
The committee stressed that "Justice delayed is justice denied," urging the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to tackle the systemic barriers preventing timely access to justice.
Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, MP for Ndorwa County East, voiced his outrage, noting the profound injustice of holding individuals for years or even decades without trial. He highlighted that many detainees could be innocent, further compounding the injustice they face.
In response, Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi pledged that the government would act immediately.
He revealed that the Ministry of Justice would engage with the Uganda Prisons Service to explore the possibility of releasing two prisoners who have been held for 28 years without trial.
Additionally, Kafuuzi acknowledged that some detainees were mentally unfit and awaiting ministerial decisions regarding their cases.Tayebwa has also called on the Attorney General to return to Parliament with a more detailed report on the status of these prisoners, especially those tried under the Military Court Martial system, and to address concerns regarding the misuse of police bonds.
This latest call for justice highlights the urgent need to address human rights violations within Uganda's detention system, ensuring that individuals are not denied their right to a fair trial and that those who have suffered unjust detention receive proper compensation and restitution.
Source: POU
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