Accountability for Acts of Torture by Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Officials in Uganda

Abstract

The paper discusses the challenge of countering terrorism by law enforcement agencies in Uganda while at the same time ensuring full recognition and protection of rights of suspects such as freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment. The paper notes that agencies responsible for combatting terrorism in Uganda have been known to execute their duties and responsibilities sometimes in complete disdain of the prohibition under Uganda’s Constitution and other laws of all forms of torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of suspects or offenders. The paper suggests strategies for turning this around. They include incorporating in the legislative framework accountability measures for law enforcement agencies; countering terrorism only through units properly established under laws incorporating accountability measures; and improved training and education of law enforcement agencies on human rights likely to be violated in counter terrorism activities.