FHRI Secures UGX 65 Million Compensation for Injured Minor in Road Accident Case

In 2024, Mr. Kusemererwa Abbey sought legal assistance from the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) after his son, Rayan Mugisha, a pupil at Kitante Primary School, sustained severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.

The incident occurred on 20th August 2023 in Kyebando when Rayan was knocked down by a speeding motorcycle riding in a one-way lane. The accident left the infant with a fractured arm, a dislocated jaw, and the loss of eight teeth.

As a low-income earner, Mr. Kusemererwa could not afford the services of a private lawyer and therefore turned to FHRI for legal aid. The matter was handled by Counsel Sentumbwe Yasin Munagomba, Advocate and a Legal Associate in FHRI’s Legal Services Unit.

As part of the case preparation, FHRI conducted a search with the Uganda Revenue Authority to establish ownership of the motorcycle involved in the accident. The search revealed that the motorcycle belonged to Yuvraj International U Ltd, a Kampala-based company dealing in motorcycles.

Upon reviewing the matter, Mr.Yasin Sentumbwe advised the father to institute legal proceedings. Consequently, a suit was filed before the High Court of Uganda, Civil Division, under Civil Suit No. 206 of 2024: Mugisa Rian (a minor suing through his next friend, Kusemererwa Abby) v. Yuvraj International U Ltd.

The case was presided over by His Lordship Justice Bonny Isaac Teko. On 26th June 2026, the Court delivered its judgment, finding Yuvraj International U Ltd liable for negligence.

The Court awarded the plaintiff:

• UGX 30 million in general damages;
• UGX 10 million in aggravated damages;
• UGX 24 million for future medical expenses; and
• UGX 1.2 million in special damages.

The total award amounted to UGX 65.2 million.

This judgment underscores the importance of legal aid in enabling vulnerable and low-income individuals to access justice and obtain redress for violations of their rights.