The High Court of Uganda has been petitioned in a landmark human rights case filed by 27-year-old global industrialist Vasundhara Oswal, who accuses senior security officials of arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and inhumane treatment stemming from her October 2024 incarceration.<\/p>\n
In court documents submitted in Kampala, Oswal \u2014 executive director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global \u2014 alleges she was held for 21 days without evidence, despite a court release order, in violation of constitutional guarantees and international human rights law.
\nThe petition names several high-ranking officers within the Uganda Police Force, including Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona and former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba. Also cited are Joseph Kyomuhendo, head of the Human Trafficking Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), police detective Thomas Bbale, CID officer Annette Karungi, and a former employee, Santosh Dwibhashi.
\nAccording to the filing, Oswal was detained for three weeks without formal evidence being presented and was allegedly denied access to legal counsel and medication. The petition further claims she was subjected to degrading treatment, including being forced to kneel and strip in front of officers, and was deprived of basic necessities such as food, water and hygiene facilities.
\nHer legal team, the international firm Volterra Fietta, described the case as \u201can egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law,\u201d stating that the petition seeks accountability and systemic reform rather than confrontation.
\nConstitutional and international law claims
\nThe petition argues that her detention violated Article 23 of Uganda\u2019s Constitution, which safeguards personal liberty, and Article 24, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. It also cites Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on protection against arbitrary detention.
\nIn addition, Oswal alleges that judicial orders authorising her release were disregarded, raising concerns about the enforcement of court decisions and the integrity of due process. The petition also seeks the return of personal property, including jewellery and bond money amounting to $200,000, which it says has not been returned despite repeated requests to the ODPP.
\nThe family had separately petitioned the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review Uganda\u2019s handling of the matter.
\nInvestment climate implications and ongoing commitment
\nOswal, described in the release as one of the youngest female industrial leaders operating in Africa\u2019s bioethanol sector, said she was confident that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and hold those responsible accountable.
\n\u201cOur investment in PRO Industries reflects our long-term confidence in Uganda,\u201d she said in the statement, adding that she retains faith in the judiciary to uphold investor rights.
\nHowever, the petition underscores potential reputational risks for the country. Oswal warned that the case could be interpreted negatively by foreign investors, particularly from India, who have historically approached Uganda\u2019s market with caution.
\nShe also emphasised, \u201cIt’s important that the court addresses the conduct of the individuals involved and reaffirms that this matter does not reflect a failure of the system itself, but rather the actions of a limited number of individuals. We have full faith in Uganda\u2019s judiciary to safeguard international investors and to reinforce our commitment to continued investment in the country\u2019s development.\u201d
\nThe statement also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni, who visited the PRO Industries plant in late 2025, signalling, as the family described it, ongoing presidential support for the company\u2019s industrialisation efforts.
\nRelief sought
\nThe petition calls for the prosecution of officials involved in what it terms an unlawful arrest and detention; a formal declaration that her constitutional rights were violated; compensation for psychological and reputational harm; and restitution of confiscated assets.
\nThe case now places Uganda\u2019s judiciary under scrutiny as it weighs serious allegations against senior security officials.
\nNeither the Uganda Police Force nor the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing.
\nAs proceedings commence at the High Court, the outcome is likely to resonate beyond the personal grievance of a single investor, testing Kampala\u2019s assurances on judicial independence, investor protection and the rule of law at a time when the country is actively courting foreign capital into its energy and manufacturing sectors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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