

27 June 2024, 4:19 pm
By Francis Owiny
Kaabong district in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region marked a significant milestone by hosting the June 26th UN day in support of survivors of torture.
The event, organised by the African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) leading the coalition against torture, was held in collaboration with the Uganda Human Rights Commission through its Kotido field office under the Moroto regional office.
Supported by USAID, the event showcased ACTV’s substantial impact on the lives of torture survivors under the theme “torture free communities for all and by all.”
The commemoration of the June 26th UN day in support of survivors of torture was successfully held at the Magistrates court premises in Kaabong district on June 26th, 2024. The event was attended by 647 community members.
During the event, ACTV Legal Officer Jordan Megolonyo highlighted the importance of the day by explaining the rationale for supporting survivors of torture and the need to continually raise awareness on matters of torture in our communities.
ACTV has been a beacon of hope for torture survivors, providing comprehensive support that addresses their physical, psychological, and social needs. This was emphasised by Winnie Nakiru, a Community Development Officer from Kakamar Subcounty in Kaabong district.
She highlighted ACTV’s extensive coverage in Kaabong’s 19 administrative units and emphasised that ACTV’s services go beyond legal aid and medical treatment, encompassing psycho-social support and livelihood skills training in tailoring and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) schemes. These initiatives have empowered torture survivors in Kaabong district to rebuild their lives, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
The impact of ACTV’s work was vividly illustrated through the testimonies of torture survivors. Lolem Rose Tubo from Morukinei village recounted her ordeal in 2019 when she was tortured by armed forces during a disarmament operation.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, ACTV’s intervention ensured she received proper medical treatment, physiotherapy, and psycho-social support. Lolem expressed gratitude for ACTV’s comprehensive care, which included material support and efforts to locate her missing son.
Similarly, Komol Joseph from Lookuse village shared his journey of recovery after a gun attack that claimed his wife’s life. Through ACTV, Komol received medical treatment, psycho-social counseling, and training in tailoring and VSLA management.
ACTV’s support provided him with start-up capital and a sewing machine, enabling him to start a successful tailoring business. Komol’s story underscores the transformative impact of ACTV’s holistic approach to rehabilitation.
ACTV’s success in Kaabong is bolstered by strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. Gabriel Loiki Paak, the District Councilor for Kaabong Town Council, commended ACTV for its collaboration with the Uganda Human Rights Commission and other legal service providers.
This partnership has enhanced the district’s ability to promote human rights through accountability, even among armed forces, and ensured continuous follow-up and support for survivors. Hope Susan Hilda from FIDA Uganda announced a new four-year project funded by Danish aid, aimed at extending legal services to all Subcounties in Kaabong.
This project, initiated through ACTV’s advocacy, will increase the demand for justice and respect for human rights. Activities will include legal aid, community dialogues, and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
Emmanuel Bole, ACTV Project Coordinator for Kaabong district, provided insights into the organisation’s history and evolution. Founded in 1993 by a group of torture survivors, ACTV began as a small operation in Kampala and has since grown into a national entity with offices in Kampala city, Gulu city, Kaabong district, and Kasese district.
ACTV now offers a wide range of services, including legal aid, medical treatment, physiotherapy, and psycho-social support. Bole highlighted ACTV’s partnerships with hospitals like Matany and Lacor, ensuring specialised care for survivors despite resource constraints.
Peter Santos Lomongin from the Uganda Human Rights Commission and His Worship Rashid Katende emphasised ACTV’s vision of a world free from torture. They outlined the need for a robust legal framework, effective implementation of laws on torture, and continuous monitoring to achieve these goals.
His Worship Rashid Katende highlighted ACTV’s success in its integrated approach, combining legal, medical, and psycho-social services to address the multifaceted needs of torture survivors. The commemoration of the June 26th UN day in support of survivors of torture also included a medical-legal-psycho-social camp where ACTV treated 29 individuals and registered 20 new survivors of torture.
Primary school pupils from Kaabong and Kotido districts played a crucial role in raising awareness through performances that educated the community about the impacts of torture. This community engagement, attended by over 600 participants, underscores ACTV’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for survivors and advancing human rights education.
ACTV’s pioneering efforts in Kaabong district have transformed the lives of torture survivors, equipping them with the tools and support necessary to heal and prosper. Through holistic care, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, ACTV continues to make a profound impact, advocating for a world free from torture and upholding human dignity.
As Kaabong commemorates the UN Day in support of survivors of torture, the district sets an inspiring example of resilience and hope for other districts in the sub-region to emulate.