THEMATIC REPORT 2017 REDRESS AND REPARATIONS to include a medical and psychological assessment of the harm suffered by the victim.26 It guarantees the right of victims and their families to adequate reparation, including compensation and rehabilitation and treatment and counselling, and it mandates that rehabilitation expenses should be covered by the Victim Protection Trust Fund.27 Under this new law those perpetrating torture and ill-treatment will no longer be charged with crimes such as assault, but with the more serious crime of torture or ill treatment that will attract a sentence of not more than 25 years and 15 years respectively.28 There are also sentences or fines for those convicted of aiding or abetting torture or knowingly using information obtained through torture or ill-treatment.29 Uganda guarantees freedom from torture and other ill-treatment under the 1995 Constitution and the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act which was enacted in 2012.30 Section 4 of the Act criminalises torture and anyone found liable can be convicted to imprisonment for fifteen years or to a fine, or both. Section 6 of the Act mandates the court the power to grant reparations to torture victims, including compensation, rehabilitation or restitution. Compensation can include the costs required for legal or expert assistance, medicines, medical services, and psychological and social services. Rehabilitation awards cover medical and psychological care, or legal and psycho-social services to the victim in case of trauma. However, although Uganda enacted its anti-torture legislation in 2012, implementing regulations were only passed in 2017. Therefore, although the law has existed for some years it has not been used as a means to access redress and reparations as it has not been fully implemented. Although Uganda’s anti-torture law has existed for some years it has not been used as a means to access redress and reparations as it has not been fully implemented. School children perform an African dance in Soroti, Uganda while a military soldier walks by. © Cedric Crucke / Shutterstock.com page 29