By Website Writer; The delegation of the European Union to Uganda has opened up on the detention of Ugandan satirical novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija by security operatives.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Kakwenza was re-arrested at Kitalya just hours after being released by Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Douglas Singiza.
He was released on a cash bail of UGX. 500,000 on application for him seeking treatment for the wounds he attained from the torture in detention.
Kakwenza’s sureties executed none cash bond of 10 million Shillings each. He was also ordered to deposit his passport with the court.
Through its official statement on social media, the EU has condemned the act against Kakwenza Rukirabashaija if confirmed that Ugandan security operatives are responsible for the re-arrest.
EU says Kakwenza to an unknown destination just after his release on bail by the magistrate is a clear disrespect to the rule of law and the right of a Ugandan citizen to a fair trial.
It also orders for Mr. Rukirabashaija’s immediate release and appeals to all parties concerned to ensure the rule of law is upheld.
Here is EU’s statement in full:
The delegation of the European Union issues the following statement together with the diplomatic missions of Australia, Belgium, Demark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway in Uganda.
We express our serious concern at reports that Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has been taken against his will by armed men and is again being held in an unknown place of detention. If confirmed, such an action just hours after a magistrate ordered for his release on bail is clear disrespect to the rule of law and the right of a Ugandan citizen to a fair trial. Mr. Rukirabashaija should be released immediately and we appeal to all parties concerned to ensure that the rule of law and due process are upheld in this and all cases in Uganda.
Kakwenza was first arrested on December 28, 2021 and put under secret detention, driving his family and friends into panic.
It’s alleged that Kakwenza is accused of using his Twitter handle (@KakwenzaRukira) to disturb the peace of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his son, Lt General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
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