Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have been accused of sponsoring violence and committing human rights abuses against critics and opposition figures.Testimonies containing harrowing accounts of torture and abuse were filed before the International Criminal Court (ICC), shedding light on the alleged atrocities.
The documents submitted revealed detailed allegations of torture, arbitrary arrests, and inhumane treatment of individuals believed to be associated with opposition figure Bobi Wine.
The testimonies, provided by 215 people, describe their ordeals in “torture centers” where they were subjected to physical harm and degrading treatment while being interrogated about their links to Wine.
One witness, a supporter of Wine, recounted, “I was beaten badly on the face and every part of my body. They said to me: ‘Who are you to be against the president?'”
The testimonies also mention disturbing acts such as piercing toenails with needles, noise torture, forced tooth removal, and electric shocks. Due to fears for their safety, most individuals involved in the case have chosen to remain anonymous.
Notable figures who have come forward with their claims include Ugandan satirist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and Amos Katumba, an associate of Wine’s who runs an organization called Caring Hearts Uganda. Rukirabashaija emphasized the difficulties of raising one’s voice in Uganda, expressing concerns that no single Ugandan is safe, even if they are not involved in politics.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accused of controlling the alleged torture centers, denied his involvement through his spokesperson, Andrew Mwenda.
However, Mwenda stated that it made sense for the claimants to accuse the president’s son to increase the profile of their case. Meanwhile, Faruk Kirunda, Museveni’s deputy press secretary, dismissed the claims as false information aimed at tarnishing the president’s image.
Bruce Afran, the lawyer representing the claimants, highlighted the alarming loss of civil liberties and respect for human rights under the Museveni regime.
He described the routine use of torture throughout the Ugandan governmental system, targeting individuals involved in political opposition.
Bobi Wine, a former singer turned politician, was Museveni’s main challenger in the 2021 elections. Wine had repeatedly claimed a systematic crackdown by the government against his campaign, including assassination attempts. The testimonies submitted to the court further support Wine’s allegations.
Amidst growing concerns over the allegations, the ICC is currently reviewing the case to determine if it will proceed. While the court has faced criticism from some African countries for its apparent focus on prosecuting crimes within Africa, Uganda remains a party to the Rome Statute, allowing the court to investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity committed within its borders.
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“It’s important that the court takes this case because there’s a burgeoning use of such practices among central African countries, and without question in Uganda, where torture has become routine as a means of government,” stated Afran.
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