Top international entrepreneur sues senior police officials over alleged arbitrary detention

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.

In court documents submitted in Kampala, Oswal, executive director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global, says she was held for 21 days without evidence, despite a court order for her release, in violation of constitutional guarantees and international human rights law.

The 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, police detective Thomas Bbale, CID officer Annette Karungi, and a former employee, Santosh Dwibhashi.

According 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.

Her legal team, the international firm Volterra Fietta, described the case as “an egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law,” adding that the petition seeks accountability and systemic reform rather than confrontation.

The petition argues that her detention violated Article 23 of Uganda’s 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.

In addition, Oswal alleges that judicial orders authorising her release were disregarded, raising concerns about 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.

Her family separately petitioned the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review Uganda’s handling of the matter.

Oswal, described in the statement as one of the youngest female industrial leaders operating in Africa’s bioethanol sector, said she remained confident that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law.

“Our investment in PRO Industries reflects our long-term confidence in Uganda,” she said, adding that she retains faith in the courts to protect investor rights.

However, 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’s market with caution.

She also emphasised that the conduct in question should be viewed as the actions of a limited number of individuals rather than a failure of the broader system, expressing confidence that the judiciary would safeguard international investors and reinforce continued investment in Uganda’s development.

The statement further expressed gratitude to Yoweri Museveni, who visited the PRO Industries plant in late 2025, signalling what the family described as ongoing presidential support for the company’s industrialisation efforts.

The petition calls for prosecution of the officials involved, a formal declaration that her constitutional rights were violated, compensation for psychological and reputational harm, and restitution of confiscated assets.

Neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing.

As proceedings begin at the High Court, the case is expected to test Uganda’s assurances on judicial independence, investor protection and adherence to the rule of law as the country continues to court foreign investment in its energy and manufacturing sectors.