Entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal has filed a human rights petition at the High Court of Uganda against high-ranking Ugandan officials, citing grave violations of constitutional and human rights law arising from her arbitrary arrest, illegal detention, and inhumane treatment in October 2024. Ms Oswal – a 27-year-old European citizen of Indian origin – is one of the youngest female leaders in Africa and is a director of PRO Industries, one of the largest bioethanol producing units in East Africa.
The officials named in the petition include senior members of the Uganda Police Force, among them: Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona; former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba; Head of the Human Trafficking Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Joseph Kyomuhendo; and Thomas Bbale, a police detective and investigating officer. The petition alleges that Mr. Bbale committed the most numerous and serious violations against Ms Oswal, and that Ms Oswal possesses the most compelling incriminating evidence demonstrating his coordination with extortionists who were falsely portrayed as victims. The petition also names Annette Karungi, a Criminal Investigations Department officer and Santosh Dwibhashi, a former employee alleged to be the mastermind behind the extortion scheme.
The petition alleges that Ms Oswal – executive director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global – was arbitrarily imprisoned for 21 days without any evidence. During this period, she was denied medication, prevented from accessing her legal team, subjected to degrading treatment such as kneeling and stripping in front of police officials and denied basic necessities such as food, water and access to hygiene while her family was extorted by police and prison officials, as well as local business figures, who conspired to keep her in detention. Till now the DPP in Uganda has returned Ms Oswals family jewelery worth at least 150K USD despite the case being dismissed against her and numerous letters being sent to the DPP to ask for the return.
Human rights violations
“This case represents an egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law,” said Volterra Fieta who are acting as the international law firm for the Oswal family. “Our case seeks not confrontation, but justice and accountability under Ugandan and all international avenues available. We are seeking accountability and systemic reform to ensure that no individual, Ugandan or foreign, endures such abuse again.”
The petition filed before the High Court details multiple violations of Uganda’s Constitution and international law, including:
- Arbitrary arrest and imprisonment in violation of Article 23 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
- Inhumane and degrading treatment, contrary to Article 24 of the Constitution.
- Disregard of judicial orders, undermining the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
- Unlawful seizure of personal property, including jewellery and bond money amounting to USD 200,000, which remains unreturned.
The family had also petitioned the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review Uganda’s handling of the case and to urge accountability for officials involved in the unlawful detention.
Call for accountability
Ms Oswal’s legal counsel stated that this petition is not only a personal quest for justice but also a test of Uganda’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of human and investor rights.
The petition calls for:
- Prosecution of all officials who facilitated the illegal arrest and imprisonment.
- Return of confiscated property and bond money.
- A declaration that Ms Oswal’s constitutional rights were violated.
- Compensation for unlawful detention, psychological trauma, and reputational damage.
Ongoing commitment to Uganda
Despite the ordeal, the Oswal family reiterated their continued commitment to Uganda’s industrialisation and energy transformation agenda.
“Our investment in PRO Industries reflects our long-term confidence in Uganda,” Ms Oswal said. “We are confident that the justice system will uphold the rule of law and investor protections by holding those responsible accountable. This sort of behaviour is also condemned by the ruling party and can be negatively taken by other Indian investors who are still very afraid of investing in Uganda due to the historical facts. Its important that the court corrects the behaviour 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’s judiciary to safeguard international investors and to reinforce our commitment to continued investment in the country’s development.”
“We are particularly grateful to H.E. President Museveni, who visited PRO Industries’ plant in late 2025, for his industrial leadership and ongoing support,” concluded Ms Oswal.
ENDS