The novelist-activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was tortured

The writer’s torture allegedly happened during his arrest and detention by security agencies.

In the aftermath of his being remanded to Kitalya prison on charges of offensive communication, Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Dr. Douglas Singiza, directed prison authorities to carry out a medical examination on Kakwenza’s health.

According to the results of that examination, a report released on January, 20, 2022 by Dr. James Kisambu, shows that the injuries on Kakwenza’s body were consistent with torture.

“This medical examination found the 33-year-old male prisoner remanded at Kitalya min max prison on January 11 with complaints of healing scars of wounds sustained before being remanded to prison,” the report says.

“He also had healing scars on the back, the buttocks, thighs and hands for which he is on medication.”

However, in spite of his injuries, the report adds that Kakwenza is ironically in “good health condition” and is on medication to ensure that his health is on the mend.

Medical report on Kakwenza's health Pulse Live Uganda

This report follows a similar report by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) after visiting Kakwenza, the rights body concluded that Kakwenza had endured torture at the hands of his captors.

“Yesterday UHRC visited Kakwenza Rukirabashaija at Kitalya Government Prison. The team from UHRC interacted with him extensively and noted the visible scars and injuries on his body which were healing. We look forward for a judicial resolution of his matter,” UNRC said earlier this week.

Kakwenza, a colorful writer given to using extravagant language, is also the PEN International Writer of Courage winner,

He is charged with offensive communication contrary to section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011 for allegedly “disturbing the peace” of President Museveni and the Commander of Land Forces, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“On December, 24, 2021, Kakweknza Rukirabashaija in the Kampala district willfully and repeatedly used his twitter handled to disturb the peace of his excellency the president of Uganda General Yoweri Museveni with no purpose of legitimate communicate,” the charge sheet read.