“We are convinced that Olum was in good health when he entered Amolatar Government Prison. It is our considered view that Ogwang Jackson, the warder who was supervising the prisoners working during this period in the issue tied up Olum’s hands and legs, tied him to a tree, and kicked him to death,” the tribunal ruled.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal has awarded 60 million shillings in compensation to a 41-year-old widow, whose husband, Patrick Olum, died while in custody at Amolatar Government Prison. The compensation, awarded as general damages for the violation of Olum’s right to life, will accumulate a 10 percent annual interest from the date of the ruling until full payment is made.
In its ruling, the UHRC tribunal, chaired by Mariam Wangadya and composed of Col. (Rtd) Stephen Basaliza, Lamex Omara Apita, and Crispin Kaheru, found that the state failed to provide a plausible explanation for Olum’s death.
“We are convinced that Olum was in good health when he entered Amolatar Government Prison. It is our considered view that Ogwang Jackson, the warder who was supervising the prisoners working during this period in the issue tied up Olum’s hands and legs, tied him to a tree, and kicked him to death,” the tribunal ruled.
The ruling further stated that this brutal act permanently separated Olum’s widow, Akello, from her husband and deprived his children, Colleen Ecir, Brian Aya, Steven Akwanga, Cyrus Olum, and Brenda Akello, of a father.The tribunal contended that Olum’s last hours on earth were “utter horror” because he was bullied and humiliated. “He had worked for at least 4 hours uninterrupted and he had to seek permission from his tormentors to fix his hoe and resume digging. He was tied tightly up with a rope and tied to a tree which rendered him completely defenseless,” the ruling stated.
“He was then brutally and mercilessly kicked by a warder until he breathed his last. The physical and emotional pain he suffered was unspeakable,” the tribunal added. The ruling also noted that Olum’s alleged offense of using an illegal fishing net did not justify his detention and subsequent death.
“He was a man in pursuit of lawful earnings to support his family; turning to the natural resource nearest to him (Lake Kwania) and he died for this.” The tribunal ordered the government to compensate Olum’s widow, with the money to be shared among his dependents. It specifically directed that Brenda Akello, a stepdaughter, receive at least 20 percent of the compensation. However, the tribunal noted that Olum’s economic or social status, as well as his earnings, were not considered in determining the damages awarded.
Upon receiving the ruling, Akello told reporters that she pursued the case because her husband left behind a young family in need of support.
Luo Soundbite:
//Cue in: “Okoba ni malaria…
Cue out: …onwongo tye angeyo.”//
According to official documents, on August 4, 2008, Olum, then 35 years old, was arrested by Marine Police Patrol for allegedly violating fishing regulations. He was detained at Amolatar Police Station before being remanded to Amolatar Government Prison the following day. On August 6, Akello visited Olum in prison and found him in good health. On August 7, Akello’s neighbor, Lawrence Okello, informed her that Olum had died.
She held Amolatar Government Prison authorities responsible for her husband’s death, arguing that their actions amounted to a violation of Olum’s right to life.
