What can I do if I become a witness of mob justice? - Justice Centres Uganda
legal aid to avoid mob justice

What can I do if I become a witness of mob justice?

CRIMINAL LAW

Mob justice is a form of extra judicial punishment or retribution in which a person suspected of a crime or wrongdoing is typically humiliated, beaten, sometimes undressed and in many cases these are usually done by a crowd.

  • Mob action takes place in the absence of any form of fair trial in which the accused is given a chance to defend him/herself. The mob simply takes the law into its own hands.
  • It takes away the rights of an accused, mainly the presumption of innocence and right to be heard (all provided for in the constitution).
  • There is no fair trial since the complainant(s) and the mob in most cases are the witness, prosecutor, judge and executioner of the punishment.
  • In most cases there are no prior independent and impartial investigations conducted and conclusions are always based on hearsay, motivated by jealousy, hatred and misconceived facts.
  • Punishments are severe involving beatings, miming, destruction of property, sometimes undressing and killing of the offender and there is no limit since the punishment is determined according to the mood of the mob.
  • It does not promote reconciliation of parties involved or rehabilitation of the accused.

What can be done when you become a witness?

You can report the matter to any of the following institutions:

  • THE LOCAL COUNCILS’ COURTS (LCC)
  • THE UGANDA POLICE FORCE (CFPU UNIT)

If you have been directly involved in a case of mob justice please read the following articles:

Why is mob justice an illegal and wrong way of handling child/juvenile offenders?

I feel aggrieved by a neighbours child criminal activity – how can the LCC1 help?

I feel aggrieved by a neighbours child criminal activity – what happens if I report to the police?

I feel aggrieved by a neighbours child criminal activity – how can I report to the courts of judicature?

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