European Entrepreneur Oswal sues top Ugandan security officials over alleged unlawful detention, torture and property seizure

European Entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal

KAMPALA – Entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal has petitioned the High Court of Uganda, accusing senior Ugandan officials of grave constitutional and human rights violations stemming from her arrest and detention in October 2024.

The 27-year-old European citizen of Indian origin, described as one of the youngest female business leaders operating in Africa, filed the human rights application in Kampala citing arbitrary arrest, unlawful imprisonment, inhumane treatment and the alleged seizure of property. Ms Oswal serves as Executive Director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global, with PRO Industries counted among East Africa’s largest bioethanol production facilities.

According to court documents, the petition names several high-ranking officials, including Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona; former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba; Joseph Kyomuhendo, head of the Human Trafficking Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and police detective Thomas Bbale, who acted as investigating officer in the matter. Also named are Criminal Investigations Department officer Annette Karungi and Santosh Dwibhashi, a former employee alleged to have masterminded an extortion scheme linked to the case.

The petition alleges that Ms Oswal was detained for 21 days without evidence and denied access to her legal team and medication. It further claims she was subjected to degrading treatment, including being forced to kneel and strip before officers, and was denied food, water and hygiene facilities. Her legal team contends that during her detention, family members were pressured for money by individuals described as police, prison officials and local business figures acting in coordination.

Among the constitutional violations cited are alleged breaches of Article 23, which guarantees protection of personal liberty, and Article 24, which prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The filing also references Uganda’s obligations under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, arguing that her detention contravened international law.

The petition further alleges that personal property — including jewellery and bond money amounting to USD 200,000 — was unlawfully confiscated and has not been returned despite repeated demands directed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It also claims that judicial orders issued during the process were disregarded, raising concerns about respect for the rule of law.

International law firm Volterra Fietta, acting for the Oswal family, described the case as a serious breach of both domestic and international legal standards. In a statement, the firm said the petition seeks accountability and systemic reform rather than confrontation, adding that the case represents a broader test of Uganda’s commitment to judicial independence and investor protection.

The family has also petitioned the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review Uganda’s handling of the matter and to consider the responsibility of officials involved.

In her application, Ms Oswal asks the court to declare that her constitutional rights were violated, order the prosecution of officials found culpable, direct the return of confiscated property and bond money, and award compensation for unlawful detention, psychological trauma and reputational harm.

Despite the dispute, Ms Oswal reaffirmed her family’s commitment to Uganda’s industrialisation agenda. She expressed confidence in the country’s judiciary and emphasised that the actions complained of, in her view, reflect the conduct of specific individuals rather than systemic failure.

She also voiced appreciation for President Yoweri Museveni’s industrial leadership and his visit to the PRO Industries plant in late 2025, saying the family remains committed to continued investment in Uganda’s development.