International Human Rights Advisors Secure Landmark Ruling at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Uganda Responsible for Torture

Rhys Davies and Ben Keith of International Human Rights Advisors have secured a landmark victory at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in the case of Acléo Kalinga v. Uganda (Communication 376/09).

The Commission found Uganda in violation of multiple provisions of the African Charter, including the right to dignity, the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, the right to liberty and security of the person, and the right to a fair trial. It ordered Uganda to conduct an impartial investigation, prosecute perpetrators, provide compensation and an apology, and strengthen safeguards against torture.

Mr Kalinga, a Rwandan national, was abducted by Ugandan security forces in 2005 and subjected to horrific treatment during nearly two years in secret detention. Medical evidence shows lifelong physical and psychological harm. His case was filed in 2009 by REDRESS, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), but judgment was only delivered in 2024 and published in 2025, highlighting systemic delays in the regional human rights system. In 2021, International Human Rights Advisors assumed conduct of the case at the request of REDRESS due to the legal complexities and concerns about reprisals against Mr Kalinga.

For Mr Kalinga, the ruling brings long-awaited recognition of his suffering at the hands of the Ugandan authorities. For victims across Africa, it sets an important precedent, reaffirming the absolute prohibition of torture under the African Charter and establishing that victims cannot be required to exhaust domestic remedies where the state itself is implicated in abuses.

Ben Keith said: “Justice delayed for sixteen years is justice denied. But this ruling brings recognition of our client’s suffering and sends a clear message that torture will not be tolerated.”

Rhys Davies added: “The outcome is important, but the challenge now is ensuring Uganda complies with the orders and provides meaningful reparation.”

International Human Rights Advisors will continue to work with partners to press for enforcement of the ruling and broader reform of Africa’s human rights institutions.

Gratitude to Sian Priory of 5SAH for assisting in this case.

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For more information, contact:
Ben Keith & Rhys Davies
International Human Rights Advisors
paralegal@ihr-advisors.com

Case documents:
Acleo Kalinga v. Uganda, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Communication 376/09; Available at: https://africanlii.org/akn/aa-au/judgment/achpr/2024/10/eng@2024-03-08/source.pdf

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Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm via Unsplash