Reports of Sexual Violence Emerge from Ugandan Anti-Corruption Protests
Several young anti-corruption protesters, who were arrested and detained this week in Uganda, have reported severe mistreatment, including allegations of rape and sodomy by their captors. These accounts have emerged amid ongoing unrest and heightened scrutiny of the Ugandan government’s response to recent demonstrations.
The allegations center on the treatment of supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power movement, who were detained during the recent protests in Kampala. Victims, both male and female, have come forward with claims of sexual violence inflicted upon them while in custody. Though many survivors have reported their experiences privately, only a few have publicly disclosed their trauma.
Publicly sharing their experiences, Ronald Mayega, Alex Kalyowa, and Mukasa Joseph have provided medical evidence supporting their claims of sodomy. Numerous female victims have also reported similar abuses, though their numbers and details remain less documented.
The reported cases are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern. Historically, the regime has been accused of using sexual violence as a method of torture and intimidation, a practice previously observed during the Northern Uganda conflict. This continuation of abuse reflects a broader issue of human rights violations under the current administration.
Human rights advocates and activists have condemned the ongoing use of sexual violence as a tool of repression. They argue that such actions represent serious crimes against humanity and call for accountability and justice for the victims.
The government’s response to these allegations remains a point of contention. Critics assert that the Ugandan government continues to shield those responsible for these heinous acts, preventing the pursuit of justice and furthering a culture of impunity.
