A Ugandan activist, one of over 90 individuals detained during recent anti-corruption protests, has alleged that he was sexually assaulted while in police custody, according to his lawyer.
The protests, which demanded the resignation of the parliamentary speaker accused of corruption, took place in the capital, Kampala, despite warnings from President Yoweri Museveni.
The unrest, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, began earlier this week, leading to swift action from Ugandan riot police.
Many of the arrested youths have been charged with being a public nuisance, while others remain in detention.
Eyewitness reports from those released indicate a troubling pattern of sexual abuse within police cells, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. However, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed the allegations as “unfounded” and “malicious.”
Lawyer Eron Kiiza, representing the activist who claims to have been assaulted, highlighted the rare but serious nature of such incidents in custody.
“He was sodomised immediately after he was detained,” Kiiza told the BBC, noting that this was “not common” but did occur in some instances. He indicated that medical documents substantiate the claims and that legal action against authorities is forthcoming once his client completes treatment and rehabilitation.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and former pop star Robert Kyagulanyi, echoed these concerns, stating that a number of released activists have reported similar assaults, although many are hesitant to come forward publicly due to fear or shame. “Only a few of them had the courage to publicly speak about their ordeal,” he stated.
The allegations have incited significant backlash on social media, with many Ugandans demanding an independent investigation into the claims. Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi expressed dismay at the situation, asserting that such acts are dehumanizing and calling for an investigation by the country’s police chief.
“The heavy-handed tactics used by the Ugandan government to stifle and silence peaceful protesters show a manifest clampdown on dissent,” Amnesty International declared, calling for the immediate release of all those arrested during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, President Museveni praised the police for their swift actions against the protests, asserting that they were funded by “foreign sources.” He stated that “very bad things” would be revealed about the protesters in court proceedings.
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala also urged a thorough investigation into the allegations of assault in custody, underlining the importance of accountability for any wrongdoing.
