The Anti-torture Law which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni last year is to be translated into local languages.
UHRC chairman Med Kaggwa says they want to simplify the law for the public
The law will be translated by Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in conjunction with The Coalition Against Torture in Uganda and African Center for Treatment and rehabilitation of torture Victims (ACTV) to increase the public’s understanding of the law.
During celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of ACTV at Hotel Africana in Kampala mid this week, UHRC chairperson, Med Kaggwa said that they have resolved to translate the law after realizing that the public lacks enough, or at worst, total awareness about the existence of the law against torture.
Kaggwa said they would first translate the law into Runyakitara, Luganda and Luo before translating it into other dialects.
He explained that there are plans to produce a simple version of the law by removing the complex legal terms.
The UHRC boss said that they were also sourcing for funds to translate the constitution, penal code and other laws with assistance from the Justice Law and Order Sector.
“We have realized there are many laws that are not understood by the population,” Kaggwa said, and commended ACTV for treating and rehabilitating the torture victims for the last 20 years.
ACTV chief executive officer, Samuel Nusbuga said they plan to intensify sensitization of members of the security agencies about the existing law on torture and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted.
By Pascal Kwesiga,The New Vision
