Amidst Anti-Corruption Protests, an Activist from Uganda Alleges Sexual Assault While in Custody
The lawyer for an activist from Uganda who was one of several people arrested at the recent anti-corruption demonstrations said that his client had been sexually molested by police while in their custody. The capital city of Kampala saw the arrest of more than 90 youths, some of whom face charges related to public annoyance. Although the police have refuted the accusations, the recent release of individuals accused of sexual assault has provoked broad condemnation.
The Protests’ Historical Context
Tuesday and Thursday saw the anti-corruption protests, which disregarded President Yoweri Museveni’s harsh warning. The Ugandan parliamentary speaker is facing corruption charges, which she denies, and the protesters there followed the lead of their Kenyan counterparts in demanding her resignation. The riot police arrested a prominent television host and several young activists as they quickly put an end to the demonstrations.
Sexual Assault Claims Attorney Eron Kiiza has come forward to say that one of the activists detained was sexually abused the second he was taken into custody. An assault like this in a police cell is rare, but it does happen, Kiiza stressed. “His detention was followed by his sodomization,” Kiiza told the BBC.
The United States Embassy in Kampala has demanded an immediate and comprehensive examination of the claims. While acknowledging the claims as “unfounded” and “malicious,” police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke emphasized the force’s dedication to protecting suspects’ rights.
Fears of Outside Influence
Kiiza disclosed that the police have reason to believe that the protests are being sponsored by outside entities, specifically by those who have voiced their disapproval of Uganda’s strict anti-homosexuality legislation passed a year ago. During the attack, his client was allegedly told, “Now you earn it,” implying a connection to what his client viewed as foreign support, according to Kiiza.
Once the client has finished therapy and rehabilitation, the lawyer intends to utilise the medical records that detail the abuse to file a lawsuit against the government. Due to security concerns, he chose not to reveal his client’s identity or the exact site of the alleged abuse.
Additional Consequences and Responses
Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as opposition leader Bobi Wine, has made allegations of sexual abuse against other detainees, both men and women. While many have informed Wine’s office about their experiences, only a small number have spoken out publicly out of shame and fear, according to Wine.
There has been a social media uproar over the claims, with many demanding an impartial inquiry. When the allegations are proven genuine, Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi cried out in fury and prayed for divine punishment for those responsible. Additionally, he demanded that the country’s police head conduct an investigation.
In a message posted on X (previously Twitter), President Museveni lauded the police for putting an end to the demonstrations, which he asserted were financed by other entities. Apparently, he was dropping hints that the demonstrators might face charges in court.
All protestors currently in custody must be released immediately, according to Amnesty International. As an effort to stifle nonviolent opposition, the group blasted the Ugandan government for its authoritarian tactics.
In summary
Allegations of sexual assault while in police custody have surfaced in the wake of the recent anti-corruption demonstrations in Uganda, raising grave worries about human rights breaches. International groups and activists are demanding justice and accountability, but the government insists the protests were funded from outside sources, which justifies its crackdown. There has been and will be a great deal of domestic and international focus on the matter as investigations continue.
