High Court in Kampala has found the government liable for the unlawful detention and mistreatment of Leo Ntege, awarding him Shs172 million in damages.
Delivering judgment, Justice Isaac Bonny Teko said the evidence presented showed that Ntege’s constitutional rights were violated, particularly the prohibition against detention beyond 48 hours without charge and the absolute ban on torture.
The court heard that Ntege’s ordeal began on July 27, 2021, when armed men claiming to be operatives of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now operating as Defence Intelligence and Security, raided his home in Mutundwe before dawn. They accused him of illegally possessing a firearm, but no such weapon was recovered. Instead, they took away several personal items, including electronic devices and official documents.
Testimony before court indicated that Ntege was blindfolded and transported to a military facility in Mbuya, where he was held without communication for weeks. He recounted being subjected to repeated physical abuse and denied access to medication for his diabetes, conditions that he said severely affected his health.
After 25 days, he was moved to the Police Special Investigations Unit in Kireka. Medical evidence later showed he developed kidney complications and incurred treatment costs of Shs22 million.
In its defence, the Attorney General’s office denied that Ntege had been detained at Mbuya, although it acknowledged his arrest during a joint security operation. It also argued that pastor Sadrack Kaganda, who was implicated in the operation, could not have commanded security personnel as he is a civilian.
Justice Teko, however, rejected the government’s position, describing Ntege’s account as consistent and well-supported by medical and psychological reports, including findings from the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims.
The judge concluded that the actions of the operatives—ranging from unlawful detention to physical abuse and denial of medical care—amounted to serious violations of Ntege’s rights and dignity.
Kaganda was also held responsible after failing to contest the allegations, with the court finding the evidence against him credible.
As part of the judgment, Ntege was awarded Shs22 million in special damages for medical expenses and Shs150 million in general damages. The government and Kaganda were directed to jointly pay the compensation, along with the costs of the suit.
