2 Karamojong victims earn big from human rights compensation

The Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal sitting in Karamoja has awarded Shillings 85 million to two people for the loss of their families at the hands of a Uganda People's Defense Forces soldier.

Mzee Peter Lomuge was awarded Shillings 55 million as compensation for the loss of his wife, Anna Korobe and daughter, Rose Loyoro while Edmond Ayopo Lokol was also awarded Shillings 30 million for the loss of his 17-year-old daughter, Teresa Aule.

Human Rights Commissioner, Meddie Mulumba announced the awards during their monthly tribunal sessions in Moroto on Monday. According to information by URN, the trio was shot on September 9th, 2010 in Nakapiripirit district by a UPDF soldier only identified as Kaikura in their house. Kaikura is said to have opened fire on the victim over a love affair gone bad.

During the hearing, Lomuge told the tribunal that on the fateful day, Kaikura confronted his daughter for allegedly refusing to honor their 'deal' after drinking his beer.

He says that whereas the matter was resolved, Kaikura the soldier returned at midnight and opened fire indiscriminately killing three people and injuring others. The two welcomed the tribunal ruling, saying at last justice has been done.

"This cannot bring back my wife and daughter to life but it will help me since am now incapacitated as you see," Lomuge said as he tried to wink his sight less eyes.

The tribunal also dismissed a case of torture reported by a UPDF soldier in 2010. According to Paul Otim, the in Karamoja UHRC Regional Officer, the case was dismissed when court found out that the complainant; Dominic Mwesigwa had passed on in the Central African Republic.

Otim says the tribunal deferred one case pending judgment and adjourned seven others for hearing in the next session. Meddie Mulumba, the presiding Commissioner urged the local communities to value their rights by reporting perpetuators of human rights violation to authorities.

-URN