Freedom Hive Uganda Files Complaint Over Extrajudicial Killing

Kampala, Uganda – In the pursuit of justice, Freedom Hive Uganda (FHU) has taken a significant step by accompanying the family of Isaac Lubwama, a 21-year-old youth and local footballer, to lodge a formal complaint at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). Isaac was extrajudicially killed by operatives of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) on September 3, 2022, in Namagera village, Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso District.

Isaac was found with three friends in a garden in Namagera village, when a group of unidentified security operatives traveling in a “drone” (unmarked van commonly linked with abductions) stormed the area. He was shot dead on the spot hit by two bullets, one in the abdomen and another that pierced both ears and exited through the head. He died instantly.

Shortly after the killing, the perpetrators realized they had killed the wrong person and attempted to call the family to apologize. However, the family, fearing for their lives, had fled into nearby bushes and refused to emerge.

In line with Articles 51, 52, and 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which empower the UHRC to investigate human rights violations with the authority of a High Court, Freedom Hive Uganda is supporting the Lubwama’s family in seeking redress.

Specifically, Article 52(1)(a) authorizes the Commission to receive and investigate complaints about violations of human rights, while Article 22 guarantees the right to life, and Article 28 ensures the right to a fair hearing. This legal foundation forms the basis of the formal complaint submitted by the family, with full support from FHU.

Isaac Lubwama was not a criminal he was a beloved son, brother, and passionate footballer with dreams of a better future. His senseless killing devastated his mother, brother, father and community and triggered widespread condemnation.

According to his mother Nakubulwa Sarah, security agents acted without provocation or legal mandate. Efforts to conduct a proper postmortem were obstructed, and the family faced intimidation and silence from authorities when they attempted to seek answers.

The case gained national attention when Ssuuna James, a prominent human rights defender shared a harrowing video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Isaac’s mother wailing over her son’s body. The video, posted on 3rd September 2022, struck a nerve across the country.

Despite overwhelming evidence and public outcry, early efforts to halt the burial and demand justice were in vain. Isaac was buried on 5th September 2022, just two days after his death. It wasn’t until nearly a year later that The Observer, a Ugandan newspaper, published a detailed account, framing it as a clear case of extrajudicial killing.

Freedom Hive Uganda is calling on, the Uganda Human Rights Commission to investigate the case transparently and independently, Judiciary and Parliament to address the widespread pattern of extrajudicial executions and bring perpetrators to justice and international community to closely monitor Uganda’s human rights landscape and speak out against ongoing state violence.

Though his life was brutally cut short, Isaac Lubwama’s memory now fuels a broader struggle for justice, human rights, and accountability in Uganda. His story is a heartbreaking symbol of the violence faced by countless innocent youth, and a rallying call to end impunity.

Freedom Hive Uganda remains firmly committed to keeping Isaac’s story alive, honoring his legacy, and ensuring no more innocent lives are lost to unlawful state violence.

To support the ongoing campaign for justice, visit:
www.fhug.org
info@fhug.org