A Ugandan high court has ruled that the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, recently renamed Defense Intelligence and Security, cannot legally detain suspects. Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire from the International Crimes Division found the detention center unauthorized under current legal statutes.
Six individuals accused of terrorist-related offenses filed a legal challenge, alleging severe mistreatment during their extended detention. The detainees claimed they experienced physical and psychological abuse, including prolonged interrogations, deprivation of food, and humiliating treatment.
The suspects described being handcuffed, beaten, exposed to extreme temperatures, and subjected to religious harassment. They reported being threatened with harm to their families and experiencing multiple forms of physical and mental torment during their confinement at the military intelligence facility.
The government denied these allegations, presenting medical reports suggesting the suspects were physically unharmed. However, the court determined that the detention violated constitutional protections, including the right to legal representation and timely court appearance.
Justice Wabwire ruled that the suspects were held for three to eight months without formal charges, breaching legal detention limits. Each detainee was awarded monetary compensation, and the government was ordered to cover partial legal expenses.
The judge rejected torture claims based on medical evidence but confirmed the illegal nature of their detention. Regarding one suspect's gunshot wound, the court determined the force used was proportional and justified during arrest resistance.
The ruling highlights significant concerns about detention practices and potential human rights violations within Uganda's security apparatus. It represents a critical judicial assessment of military intelligence detention procedures and constitutional protections for suspects.
Six individuals accused of terrorist-related offenses filed a legal challenge, alleging severe mistreatment during their extended detention. The detainees claimed they experienced physical and psychological abuse, including prolonged interrogations, deprivation of food, and humiliating treatment.
The suspects described being handcuffed, beaten, exposed to extreme temperatures, and subjected to religious harassment. They reported being threatened with harm to their families and experiencing multiple forms of physical and mental torment during their confinement at the military intelligence facility.
The government denied these allegations, presenting medical reports suggesting the suspects were physically unharmed. However, the court determined that the detention violated constitutional protections, including the right to legal representation and timely court appearance.
Justice Wabwire ruled that the suspects were held for three to eight months without formal charges, breaching legal detention limits. Each detainee was awarded monetary compensation, and the government was ordered to cover partial legal expenses.
The judge rejected torture claims based on medical evidence but confirmed the illegal nature of their detention. Regarding one suspect's gunshot wound, the court determined the force used was proportional and justified during arrest resistance.
The ruling highlights significant concerns about detention practices and potential human rights violations within Uganda's security apparatus. It represents a critical judicial assessment of military intelligence detention procedures and constitutional protections for suspects.
