Published on: August 19, 2026
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.