A Kampala court awarded 10 million shillings to a man who was held for 10 days without being brought before a judge. Frank Byansi was arrested on January 28, 2024, along Bulenga road and spent time at facilities in Kireka and Nateete before officers released him after he deposited a land sale agreement as bond. He claimed authorities tortured him and broke his arm while demanding he return disputed money tied to fraud allegations.
Justice Bernard Nahamya ruled the extended custody violated constitutional protections requiring suspects to appear in court within 48 hours of arrest. The judge ordered the Attorney General to pay damages and legal costs, but rejected claims of torture after hospital records showed no doctor by the name listed on the medical report. The court found authorities breached Article 23 of the Constitution by keeping Byansi locked up without judicial review for more than the legal limit.
Justice Bernard Nahamya ruled the extended custody violated constitutional protections requiring suspects to appear in court within 48 hours of arrest. The judge ordered the Attorney General to pay damages and legal costs, but rejected claims of torture after hospital records showed no doctor by the name listed on the medical report. The court found authorities breached Article 23 of the Constitution by keeping Byansi locked up without judicial review for more than the legal limit.
