“This judgment risks legitimizing Uganda’s well-documented record of torture instead of eradicating it,” Asiimwe said, adding that the ruling prioritized the completion of criminal trials over the absolute prohibition of torture.
The DNA testing process was conducted by government forensic experts and overseen by Minister Balaam Barugahara. Also present during the release of the results were the Police Forensic Directorate and the Government Analytical Laboratory, including Director Andrew Mubiru and Kepher Kuchana Kateu.
As Uganda strives to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2030, the HIV prevalence reduced from 18% in 1990s to 5.1%. Currently, new HIV infections have reduced from 68,000 to 38,000. As a result, concerted efforts are needed to ensure that all expectant mothers receive adequate support and treatment.