Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe North by-election, has filed a lawsuit against the government, citing torture and unlawful detention by security forces.
In a case submitted to the High Court’s Civil Division, Nalukoola accuses the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), operating under the Uganda Police Force, of subjecting him to brutal treatment.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
He alleges that on February 26, 2025, the day of his nomination, hooded security operatives in black police uniforms violently arrested him. In his affidavit, he describes being thrown to the ground, beaten with electric cables, punched, kicked, and stripped, calling it a deliberate attempt to derail his political ambitions.
“The ruthless beatings and intentional infliction of pain violated my fundamental human rights,” he stated.
The lawsuit details further violations, including four hours of unlawful detention at Kawempe Police Station without charge, denial of medical care, and being forced into a drone van, where he was allegedly “stuffed beneath the rear seat, punched repeatedly, and stepped on.”
Nalukoola argues that the use of masked operatives and unregistered vehicles for arrests breached his constitutional rights to dignity and freedom from torture.
He is seeking court declarations confirming the rights violations, compensation for damages, medical and psychological rehabilitation, a public apology from the government, and assurances that such actions will not be repeated.
The Attorney General has been listed as the respondent, with the High Court expected to schedule a hearing soon.
Also Read: Authorities Launch Investigations as Anthrax Kills Two in Kazo
