Human Rights Tribunal Commences Sessions in Karamoja Region
Moroto, Uganda – The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has launched its 2026 tribunal hearings, with a dedicated session now underway in the Karamoja sub-region. Based at the Commission’s Moroto Regional Office, the special sitting aims to address a backlog of human rights complaints from the area.
A high-level panel is presiding over the proceedings. It is led by the UHRC Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, and includes Commissioners Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta, and Hon. Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza. The tribunal has listed a total of 14 distinct matters for hearing during this session.
The Commission’s Prosecution team, spearheaded by the Director of Complaints Investigation and Legal Services, Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, is presenting the cases. She is assisted by State Attorneys Ms. Florida Chebet and Ms. Melisa Acheng.
In a significant early outcome, the tribunal has already rendered one decision. Hearings for the remaining cases continue throughout this week.
These judicial sittings are a core function of the UHRC. The Commission derives its mandate from Articles 52 and 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which empower it to receive complaints, investigate, hear, determine, and provide appropriate redress for human rights violations across the country.
The focus on Karamoja underscores the Commission’s commitment to decentralizing its services and ensuring accessible justice for all Ugandans, particularly in regions where human rights concerns have been prominently raised. The week-long tribunal is being closely watched by local leaders and civil society organizations as a critical mechanism for accountability and redress.
About The Author
