The Uganda Police Force has once again emerged as the leading institution in human rights violation complaints, according to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Annual Report 2025 released this month https://x.com/i/status/2057381695398072789
Police accounted for 181 of the 324 institutional complaints, followed by private individuals with 85, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) with 37, Ministries, Departments and Agencies with 16, and Uganda Prisons Service with nine. Overall, 1,747 complaints were registered, with deprivation of personal liberty (133 cases), torture (117), and denial of child maintenance (74) topping the list of alleged violations.
Fulfilling its constitutional mandate, the UHRC investigated 1,011 complaints, mediated 81, and referred 3,183 to other institutions for further management. In 2025, the UHRC Tribunal heard 252 matters, disposed of 131, and awarded victims a total of Shs 885 million in compensation, mainly for violations of the right to life, personal liberty and freedom from torture. However, the report raised concerns about delays in paying compensation, case backlogs, limited resources, and a manual complaints management system that hampers tracking.
The report also highlighted rising drug and substance abuse, warning that harmful alcohol and illicit drug use is eroding the dignity, health and opportunities of millions of Ugandans, particularly youth who make up 75% of the population. Uganda’s per capita alcohol consumption stands at about 12 litres of pure alcohol per person annually, among the highest in Africa and globally, with first substance use typically occurring between ages 13 and 15. Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital reported that 40% of mental health admissions are linked to substance abuse.
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UHRC commissioner Lamex Omara Apita said the annual report is intended not just to criticise but to spur constructive engagement, accountability and respect for human rights. He stressed that human rights protection is a shared responsibility and urged all Ugandans to champion dignity, equality, tolerance and justice. Additional reporting – Chimp Reports.
