news 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
High Court Awards Shs10m to Activists for Unlawful Detention Beyond 48 Hours
The High Court in Kampala has directed the government to pay Shs10 million in damages to three environmental activists detained over 48 hours during an anti-EACOP protest. The ruling highlights a violation of constitutional rights but rejects broader claims of torture. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-orders-govt-to-pay-activists-shs10m-over-detention-beyond-48-hours-5446962
The High Court in Kampala ruled that the government must compensate three environmental activists with Shs10 million for unlawful detention exceeding 48 hours. The activists, Tevin Debo Sean, Ivan Elvis Sanya, and Eric Ssekandi from Rooted in Resistance, were arrested on November 24, 2023, near Parliament during a protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
They claimed the extended detention disrupted their studies at Kyambogo University, causing them to miss exams and graduation. In court, they sought Shs200 million in general damages and Shs100 million in punitive damages each for psychological distress.
Justice Bonny Isaac Teko, in a ruling issued on April 27 via the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, awarded Shs10 million total, citing a breach of Article 23(4)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates suspects be brought to court within 48 hours.
The judge dismissed allegations of torture and rejected requests to discipline officers ASP Alex Nsenge, Sgt James Okoth, and SSp Martin Okoyo, stating insufficient evidence and referring the matter to police disciplinary processes.
The activists’ lawyer, Peter Arinaitwe, called the decision insufficient, arguing it overlooked torture evidence and fosters police impunity. The trio were among seven students charged on November 28, 2023, with unlawful processions and inciting violence while attempting to petition Parliament on EACOP.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)