The High Court in Kampala has awarded the Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago UGX 50 Million as compensation for the violation of his rights and freedoms. The decision was made by High court Judge Hennriata Wolayo.
This after the Court ruled that the Police abused his right to freedom when he was arrested outside his home in Lungujja on December 14, 2017.
In his application, Lukwago states that on that fateful day, he was arrested by police officers on allegations that he was plotting to hold an illegal assembly.
“You remember how I was tortured, pressed in the groin and subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment at my home in 2017, during the togikwatako debate and I became the subject of ridicule. I dragged the Attorney general to court and I’m glad court has granted a redress today.”
The Court ruled that the compensation was appropriate as punitive, exemplary, general damages for the psychological torture, mental anguish, and emotional stress suffered by the applicant.
The court also ruled that the “undisputed” entry into Lukwago’s home by police was unnecessary, illegal and violated his right to privacy enshrined in article 27 of the Constitution.
“In the absence of proof of credible information on intent to instigate and participate in an unlawful assembly, and in light of the credible evidence by the applicant the was on his way to work as Lord Mayor, on a balance of probabilities, I find that the arrest and detention of the Applicant on September 21, 2017 was unlawful and therefore a violation of his right to personal liberty protected by Article 23 b,” the judge ruled.
