A Ugandan court has ruled that a US couple, Nicholas and Mackenzie Spencer, must pay $26,000 (£20,700) in compensation to their foster child who endured two years of alleged torture. This decision comes as a result of a plea deal that also led to the dropping of more severe charges, including aggravated trafficking and torture, which could have carried the potential for life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The Spencers were arrested last year after their child’s nanny filed a police report accusing the couple of repeatedly subjecting the 10-year-old boy to inhumane treatment. They ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, as well as working without permits and staying in Uganda unlawfully. These convictions resulted in a fine of 4.86 million Ugandan shillings.
Child rights activists have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ruling, condemning it as “a mockery of justice.” Proscovia Najjumba, an outspoken activist, questioned the court’s decision to allow the couple to “walk away” after admitting they had “mistreated a child.” The court documents revealed disturbing details of the abuse, including serving the child cold food, making him sleep on a bare wooden platform without bedding, and forcing him into an “awkward position.”
The case has ignited debates about the adequacy of the compensation and the overall handling of child abuse cases within the legal system.
