Entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal has filed a human rights petition at the High Court of Uganda accusing senior Ugandan officials of arbitrary arrest, illegal detention, and inhumane treatment linked to events that took place in October 2024.
The 27 year old executive director of Oswal Group Global and director of PRO Industries describes the case as a crucial test of the rule of law, judicial independence, and investor protection in Uganda.
Petition Targets Senior Security and Justice Officials
The petition names several senior figures from the Uganda Police Force and related institutions. Among them are Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona, former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba, and Joseph Kyomuhendo from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Police detective Thomas Bbale is accused of playing a central role in the alleged violations.
The filing also mentions a Criminal Investigations Department officer and a former employee accused of orchestrating an extortion scheme linked to the case.
Allegations of 21 Days of Illegal Detention
According to the petition, Oswal was detained for 21 days without evidence and despite a court release order. The filing alleges she was denied medication, prevented from meeting her legal team, and subjected to degrading treatment, including forced kneeling and stripping before officials.
The petition further claims she was denied basic necessities such as food, water, and hygiene while her family faced alleged extortion attempts from officials and business figures.
International law firm Volterra Fietta, acting for the family, described the case as a serious breach of Ugandan constitutional law and international human rights standards.
Claimed Violations of Constitutional and International Law
The petition outlines multiple alleged breaches, including arbitrary arrest and detention in violation of constitutional protections and international law. It also cites inhumane and degrading treatment, disregard of judicial orders, and unlawful seizure of property valued at approximately $200,000.
The family has also approached the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review the case and encourage accountability.
Call for Justice, Reform, and Compensation
The legal filing seeks prosecution of officials involved, return of confiscated property, formal recognition that Oswal’s rights were violated, and compensation for unlawful detention and reputational harm.
Legal representatives say the case goes beyond personal justice and will test Uganda’s commitment to investor protection and judicial independence.
Continued Investment Commitment to Uganda
Despite the legal battle, the Oswal family reaffirmed their long term investment in Uganda’s industrial and energy sectors. Oswal expressed gratitude to Yoweri Museveni for continued support following his visit to the PRO Industries plant in late 2025.
She stated that the case should not be seen as a failure of Uganda’s system but as the alleged actions of a limited number of individuals, expressing confidence in the country’s judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect international investors.
