Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary for Mobilization, Ms Ingrid Turinawe, has been awarded Shs170m by the High Court in Kampala in atonement for the squeezing of her breasts by male police officers about seven years ago, when Iron Ingrid (as she is known in deary circles) was setting off for a political rally in Nansana, Wakiso District, on February 20 2012.
Justice Margaret Oguli Oumo ruled that Ms Turinawe is awarded Shs 150m for violation, torture, humiliation and wrong detention. Then she was awarded Shs20m for being denied the right to liberty and association, totalling to Shs 170m.
In her lawsuit which she filed in 2013, Ms. Turinawe demanded for Shs560m in damages, but the judge said it was on a higher side.
However, the judge ordered government to foot the costs she incurred when prosecuting this matter.
In filing the suit, Turinawe sued the late Felix Andrew Kaweesi, then commander Kampala Metropolitan Police, for being the most senior officer on duty that fateful day of April 20, 2012; as well as the Attorney General.
She averred that the rude actions of the police were viewed on television stations and internet, among other media outlets. Further in her lawsuit, she had sought court’s intervention to direct the male police officers, who assaulted her, be brought to court.
“Although this is little money, am happy but not excited. I will make sure that I get this money. This business of either delaying or refusing to pay money awarded to people should stop,” Ms Turinawe, said shortly after the judgment.