Investor sues Police bosses, Attorney General over 'unlawful arrest, detention'

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An investor has dragged five senior Police officers to the High Court, accusing them of unlawfully arresting and detaining her on trumped-up kidnapping charges.

Oswal Group Global executive director Vasundhara Oswal filed the human rights petition against the Police officers and the Attorney General in Luwero High Court.

The Police officers include Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona; Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba; and the head of the human trafficking division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Joseph Kyomuhendo.

Others are detective Thomas Bbale and Criminal Investigations Directorate officer Annette Karungi.

Court documents indicate that in October 2024, Oswal was arrested and detained for 21 days on allegations of kidnapping with intent to murder a former employee of her family’s business.

The employee later reportedly testified that he had lied to security personnel.

Oswal accuses the Attorney General and senior Police officers of violating her constitutional rights.

Oswal contends that she remained in detention despite a court order for her release and in the absence of credible evidence, contrary to the Constitution and international human rights law.

She is seeking a declaration that her rights were violated, an order for prosecution of the officials who orchestrated her arrest and detention, and compensation for unlawful detention, reputational damage and psychological trauma.

Oswal also wants the return of property and bond money amounting to $200,000 (about shillings 780 million) allegedly confiscated during her arrest and subsequent detention.

“During my detention, I was denied medication, prevented from accessing my legal team, subjected to degrading treatment such as kneeling and stripping in front of police officers, and denied basic necessities including water, food and hygiene,” she claims.

Oswal argues that the case represents “an egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law.”

The petition further alleges that police and prison officials, in connivance with her accuser and unnamed local business figures, extorted money from her family during the period of detention. 

“My family was extorted money by Police and prison officers as well as local business figures who conspired to keep me in prison,” she alleges.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 19, 2026.