In harrowing testimony recently filed before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have been accused of sponsoring violence and orchestrating the abuse of political critics and opposition figures. The documents, which contain detailed accounts of alleged torture and human rights abuses, were disclosed to The Guardian in a private briefing by the claimants’ lawyer, Bruce Afran, after a court filing in May. The submissions stem from a complaint made two years ago by opposition figure Bobi Wine, following Uganda’s troubled 2021 elections, and name nine top Ugandan officials involved in the accusations.
The testimonies of 215 individuals reveal chilling accounts of torture, arbitrary arrests, and inhumane treatment experienced by opposition figures and activists. According to the submissions, victims were detained incommunicado in what they termed “torture centers,” where they were subjected to physical harm and degradation. Interrogations were reportedly centered around their alleged connections with Bobi Wine, leading to further abuses.
An anonymous Wine supporter recounted being beaten severely on the face and body while being taunted for opposing the president. Their toenails were pierced with needles, and they endured noise torture, forced tooth extraction, and electric shocks. Most of those involved in the case chose to remain anonymous due to fears for their safety, as they are still in Uganda.
The accusations implicate President Museveni, 78, due to his role as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while his son, Kainerugaba, 49, is accused of overseeing the alleged torture centers. Both officials have vehemently denied these allegations through their respective spokespersons. Kainerugaba’s spokesperson, Andrew Mwenda, denied his involvement and suggested that the accusations were made to sensationalize the case. Similarly, Museveni’s deputy press secretary, Faruk Kirunda, dismissed the claims, stating that political rivals were spreading misinformation to tarnish the president’s image.
The lawyer representing the victims, Bruce Afran, expressed deep concern over the reported abuses, describing a complete loss of civil liberties and respect for human rights in Uganda under the Museveni regime. The testimonies mention abductions from the streets and various forms of gross and abusive torture, including chemical attacks on individuals’ eyes, whippings with wires, and even forced removal of testicles.
In response to the disturbing testimonies and allegations, the ICC has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter. While some victims have chosen to speak out publicly, many others fear reprisals, signaling a pervasive climate of fear and intimidation within the country. The situation has raised international concern over the deteriorating state of human rights and civil liberties in Uganda.
Bobi Wine, a singer turned politician and Museveni’s main challenger in the 2021 elections, filed the original complaint, claiming electoral irregularities and voter suppression. Despite the contested results, President Museveni declared victory in the polls, further fueling tensions within the nation.
As the ICC investigation proceeds, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on Uganda, demanding accountability for the alleged atrocities and an end to the reported culture of violence and abuse targeting political opposition figures and activists in the country.
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