HRCU Reports Over 200 Human Rights Abuse Complaints in Lango Subregion

Lira City, Uganda – The Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU) has raised concerns over a growing number of human rights violations reported in the Lango Subregion, with more than 200 complaints recorded between July 2024 and May 2025.

According to Ms. Ammy Pacutho, a representative from HRCU, the majority of the complaints involve allegations of torture, gender-based violence—especially against women—and violations of children’s rights.

Speaking during a public dialogue held last Thursday at Margarita Hotel in Lira City, Pacutho revealed that many of the reported cases implicate some cultural leaders in the region. She emphasized that cultural institutions must operate within the framework of Uganda’s Constitution and not use traditional laws as a basis for abuse.

“We appeal to cultural leaders to respect the rights of all individuals and ensure their actions are in line with the Constitution,” Pacutho stated.

She added that HRCU’s mandate is to receive and investigate such complaints to ensure that every citizen’s rights are protected, regardless of their social or cultural background.

Robert Mugisa, the Senior Advocacy Officer at HRCU, echoed similar concerns. He noted that in addition to the violations reported, the region continues to grapple with issues such as child marriages, child neglect, drug abuse, and child labour.

“Gender-based violence and child exploitation remain some of the biggest human rights challenges in the country,” Mugisa said.

He called on parents, community members, and business owners to work together in eradicating child labour and protecting the welfare of all children.

The dialogue brought together various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, local leaders, cultural leaders, lawyers and individual human rights advocates, in a bid to strengthen efforts toward safeguarding human rights in the region.