Today, the 26th June, 2026 Uganda joins the rest of the global community to mark the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The day is observed annually to condemn torture, honor those who have been victims and support their survival efforts. This year, in Uganda, the day is observed under the national theme that highlights; ‘Taking stock of the successes and challenges met in the protection and promotion of the freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment’. This theme is timely, considering the decades of efforts invested in fighting torture. The day was first observed in 1997 to mark the entry into force of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UN CAT). Uganda is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture (UN CAT). As such, Uganda is mandated to ensure total elimination of all forms torture against citizens and other persons within and outside her borders is upheld. This is based on the recognition that every individual deserves protection from torture or depredating treatment. Fulfilling this mandate requires a high level of commitment from all state and non-state actors, who are the bedrock of protection against torture.
Uganda enacted the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act (PPTA) in 2012. This demonstrates Uganda’s commitment and desire to end torture in all its forms and manifestations. The state has also gone ahead to domesticate other laws in line with the Un Convention Against torture, which provides a platform for different actors to invest in fighting torture. However, despite these strides made to eradicate torture globally, and in Uganda, the realization of this still hangs in a balance as state and private instigated torture is still reported, especially in the context of forced migration.
In line with these efforts, Refugee Law Project joins the rest of the world to commemorate the day and take stock of the key achievements made and the hurdles that remains. Refugee Law Project has been a member of the Coalition Against Torture (CAT), a network of organizations in Uganda that prioritizes the fight against this vice. Torture is a human rights crime, and therefore cannot be fought by an individual, organization or state but everyone must be involved, because torture affects families, communities and the nation at large. As we mark this day, it is important to emphasize that the effects of torture go beyond the primary victim to their family and other loved ones, and the larger community. The physical, psychological and socio-economic effects of torture leave individuals and families with disabling conditions; wounds, disabilities and social stigma that goes on for years, affecting their functionality and ability to contribute towards the development of their communities. Although the alleged torture actions may not be committed openly and therefore, may not be verifiable, it is important for all actors to reflect on the core principles and universal freedoms that all individuals must enjoy, by virtue of being humans. It’s also critical to remember that acts of torture may be both Physical or/ and psychological. Sometimes, perpetuators of psychological torture may underestimate the magnitude of their commission or omission on the psychological wellbeing of the victim. Psychological wounds of torture are often more difficult to identify or even treat, and when identified, they often take longer to heal. This should energize us to fight torture in all its forms.
As an outreach project of the School of Law, Makerere University, Refugee Law Project’s (RLP) main mission remains to empower asylum seekers, refugees, deportees, IDPs and hosts communities to enjoy their human rights and lead dignified lives. RLP invests in providing quality protection services to forced migrants and vulnerable hosts services and, for over 20 years RLP has provided a safe haven for torture victims to recover from their painful experiences, and continues to advocate for eradication of torture and all inhumane, degrading acts. We recognize that in order for everyone to be involved, people must be informed, access essential services, live peacefully with others, but also meaningfully engage in their communities. Therefore, RLP is investing in key initiatives that promote refugees and host relations, including offering legal aid, while working in collaboration with police, judiciary and prisons, teaching English to refugees and vulnerable hosts to smoothen communication, peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiative that promote social cohesion and agency, provision of MHPSS services and community based livelihoods interventions that not only uplifts victims but promotes collaboration and community grown solution/s to poverty.
Key achievements
For the last 10 years, Refugee Law Project has provided essential multi-sectoral protection services to 74,100 victims of torture and their families. Cognizant of the varying effects of torture, RLP offers medical, psychosocial, legal and livelihood services for victims to foster rehabilitation and promote resilience. We have also invested in building the capacity of 3,910 relevant stakeholders on refugee rights and protection, which includes right to freedom from torture. These include; Judiciary, police, UPDF, Prisons, humanitarian actors, medical personnel and community structures. RLP has been at the fore front of both national and international advocacies against torture, in collaboration with the Coalition Against Torture (CAT)
Key challenges
• Shrinking funding space; fighting torture and rehabilitating victims is a very expensive venture and yet reduction in funding continues to limit our reach.
• The public being unaware; torture acts sometimes are not obvious and unless people are aware, they may never be able to report. This lack of awareness is sometimes the driver of stigma surrounding torture and hindering victims from speaking out and accessing services. The need to raise awareness is still high.
• The continued refugee influx in the country continues to overwhelm the available services. From our experience,1 in 3 refugees and asylum seekers that we support have gone through some form of torture. As funding reduces, and consequently services, the need keeps on increasing notwithstanding the protracted nature of rehabilitation for torture victims.
• Economic hardships for victims; livelihood challenges remain one of the major challenges victims of torture face. Torture often paralyses one’s ability to fully function, making it difficult to meet basic needs for self and loved ones. This exposes victims to depending on hand outs or external support, which hinders speedy recovery. Economic empowerment for victims and their families promises hope, and yet remains unreachable for the majority.
Call to Action:
As we aim towards elimination of all forms of torture in our societies, the UN day in support of torture Victims gives us an opportunity to reflect and take action on the following:
• All state and nonstate actors should commit to end torture in all its forms and speak out against torture in Uganda and beyond.
• We should all strive to offer safe spaces for individuals to recover from their experiences of torture, including the vulnerable populations such as refugees, asylum seekers, deportees, stateless persons, among other vulnerable populations.
• We need to report all actions that constitute torture against any individual, irrespective of their gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, political affiliation, or creed, to the relevant authorities.
• Development partners should invest more funding in supporting human rights initiative, specifically torture
• All partners should prioritize development initiatives that empowers victims and communities to find longer-term solutions