Writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has dragged the Ugandan government to the East African Court over alleged torture.
Through his lawyers led by Eron Kiiza, Kakwenza sued the government for allegedly arresting him violently on December 28 last year and keeping him in jail for two weeks without trial.
Kakwenza was arrested for using his social media platforms to abuse the President, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Son, who is also the Commander of Land Forces Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba
“The applicant’s captors blindfolded him with a thick black like bag and strings pulled and knotted around his neck. They neither identified themselves nor gave the reason for his arrest. His violent, warrantless arrest witnessed by his gateman and members in the neighbourhood was illegal, torturous and contrary to Articles 24, 44 and 23(3) of the Constitution of Uganda, Article 5 of the Charter on Human and People’s Rights and Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the treaty,” reads the suit filed by Kakwenza’s lawyers.
He says that arresting him and keeping him in jail beyond 48 hours was a contravention of Articles 23(4) (b) of the Constitution of Uganda, Article 6 of the Charter on Human and People’s Rights and Articles 6,7 and 8 of the treaty.
“The applicant prays for a declaration that his detention, a civilian in a military facility is a violation of the principle of accountability, good governance and rule of law guaranteed under Articles 6(d), 7(2),8 and 123(3) of the treaty.”
He also wants the East African Court to direct the Ugandan government to discontinue his criminal trial and prosecution and also direct him for physical torture.
