HE WHO LAUGHS LAST LAUGHS BEST! Journalist Allegedly Tortured After Criticizing Anita Among Wins Shs30 Million as Court Orders Compensation for Brutal Injuries

Kampala High Court judge has awarded journalist Pidson Kareire Shs30 million in damages after ruling that his constitutional rights were violated through unlawful detention, torture, and denial of access to legal representation, family members, and medical care..

The decision, delivered by Acting High Court Judge Simon Peter M. Kinobe on May 20, 2026, marks a significant ruling on press freedom and the protection of human rights in Uganda.

The court found that Kareire, who worked with Drone Media, was subjected to physical and psychological abuse after his arrest in November 2021 over publications allegedly critical of then-Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.

According to court findings, Kareire wasdetained for seven days without being brought before a competent court, exceeding the constitutional requirement that suspects must be presented within 48 hours of arrest.

The judge concluded that the actions of security operatives amounted to torture and violated constitutional protections against cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.