The plaintiff was arrested by the Ugandan Aviation Police (AVPOL) at Entebbe Airport while on his way to meet his political supporters. He sought declarations that the defendants, the Civil Aviation Authority (1st defendant) and the Attorney General (2nd defendant) violated his right to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right to freedom of movement, assembly and association as guaranteed in articles 20, 24, 29 and 50 of the Constitution of Uganda.

This was a consolidated application that determined whether there was a violation of several human rights. The applicants alleged that they had been arrested while having a peaceful demonstration. They also claimed that they were tortured and several of their human rights were violated during detention. They therefore sought a declaration that the first respondents’, several named officers of the Ugandan Police Force (UPF), actions were unjust and illegal; an order for the respondents, to pay damages jointly and severally to each of the applicants, and costs of the application.