The European Union (EU) Human Rights Chief Eamon Gilmore has joined the civil society in Uganda in expressing concern for the safety of detained writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija amid allegations of torture by security forces.
Earlier this week, the Makindye Chief Magistrate Court ordered security operatives to release detained novelist Kakwenza from detention. However, the writer is yet to be set free.
“I’m alarmed by reports of alleged torture and incommunicado detention of author Kakwenza. He remains in detention without trial, despite a court order for his unconditional release. I urge Ugandan authorities to uphold rule of law and due process,” said Eamon Gilmore.
Kakwenza was arrested at his home in Kisasi, a Kampala suburb, last week. He is accused of insulting President Yoweri Museveni and First son Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Twitter.