Torture is a grievous violation of human rights, leaving scars that often last a lifetime.
The case of aggravated torture involving Hellen Judith Baliraine has taken a surprising twist after her lawyer disclosed ongoing negotiations with the family of the victim, seven-year-old Catherine Harriet Kisakye.
According to the lawyer, Ugx 6 million has already been paid as part of an out-of-court settlement effort.
This announcement sparked a heated debate in court and among activists.
Baliraine, who stands accused of grievously torturing Kisakye, was first arraigned in December 2024 and has been in remand at Kirinya Prisons ever since.
Given the sensitivity of the case, involving a minor, proceedings were held in the chambers of Chief Magistrate Phiona Angura to protect Kisakye from public exposure.
Kisakye arrived at court accompanied by two social workers from Upendo Children’s Home, where she is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Magistrate Angura briefly interacted with Kisakye and her caretakers in chambers before inviting the involved parties into the session.
Moments later, Baliraine, dressed in an African print dress and a face mask, was escorted into the chambers by three female prison warders.
The court session opened with inputs from concerned citizens and activists, who have closely followed the case.
Baliraine’s lawyer, Sharif Ssemaganda, then revealed that ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the matter out of court were underway.
He added that the Ugx 6 million given to Kisakye’s family was intended to aid her rehabilitation and recovery.
Ssemaganda argued that the funds would support Kisakye’s welfare once she reunites with her family later this year, as her stay at the children’s home is temporary.
However, Magistrate Angura and the prosecution expressed surprise at the revelation, denying prior knowledge of the negotiations and asserting their readiness to proceed with the case.
This development ignited outrage among activists advocating for justice in the case.
Faith Namansa, chairperson of the Busoga Governance and Social Accountability Network, criticised the negotiations, calling them an attempt to exploit the impoverished state of Kisakye’s family to deny the child justice.
Namansa emphasised that aggravated child torture is a criminal offense and should not be subject to private settlements, especially given the psychological scars Kisakye will carry into her adulthood.
Jafari Buyinza, another activist, highlighted the systemic issue of children’s rights violations, particularly the exploitation and abuse of minors employed as domestic workers.
Buyinza stressed the importance of giving this case a fair hearing, arguing that it could set a vital precedent for child rights protection in Jinja City and Uganda as a whole.
Magistrate Angura, acknowledging the heated sentiments, adjourned the case to Friday, January 24, 2025.
The court’s next session is expected to clarify the legal course of action, whether to pursue the criminal charges or consider the ongoing negotiations.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the fight against child abuse in Uganda.
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