Human Rights
I Was Sodomized By Security Operatives – Omunyarwanda wa Bobi Reveals
In a disturbing revelation, Ronald Mayiga known as Omunyarwanda wa Bobi, has come forward with harrowing allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of security operatives in Uganda. According to Omunyarwanda wa Bobi, he was kidnapped on the night of June 12, 2024, by unidentified armed men as he headed home. The abduction, marked by extreme fear, culminated in seven days of what Omunyarwanda wa Bobi describes as “hell on earth,” during which he was subjected to severe torture, including being sodomized.
Omunyarwanda wa Bobi recounted the terrifying ordeal, explaining that he was ambushed near his home by men who forcibly removed his money and phone before throwing him into a vehicle. Once in detention, the horrors intensified. MGA recalls being restrained, tied up, and then sexually assaulted by one of the men, who referred to him as a “woman” to his colleagues.
Seeking justice,Omunyarwanda wa Bobi obtained medical documentation from police and healthcare professionals that confirm the sexual abuse he endured. “Since that happened, I have a frequent urge to ease myself,” Omunyarwanda wa Bobi shared, revealing the lasting impact on his physical health.
Despite Omunyarwanda wa Bobi ‘s allegations and the medical evidence he presented, security officials have denied any involvement. Brigadier Felix K, an army spokesperson, dismissed the claims, questioning the value of targeting someone like Omunyarwanda wa Bobi and asserting that torture would not benefit their operations.
This is not the first time Omunyarwanda wa Bobi has faced such brutality. In May 2021, he was also abducted, along with his brother and girlfriend, by unidentified armed men. During that detention, he was interrogated about his connections to opposition leader Bobi Wine and the meaning behind their political slogans.
Omunyarwanda wa Bobi has tried to seek justice through the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), but his efforts have been fruitless. Dr. Livingstone Ssewannyana, Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, advised MGA to pursue legal action directly through the courts if other avenues fail.
The increase in allegations of sodomy and other forms of torture in detention facilities across Uganda has raised significant concerns. The Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act of 2012 is in place to hold law enforcement officers accountable for such abuses, but the effectiveness of this legislation remains questionable.
In 2021 alone, torture accounted for 37% of the human rights abuse cases registered by the UHRC, with 280 complaints against the police and the army for arbitrary arrests and 140 for torture. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations and accountability for these human rights violations.
As Omunyarwanda wa Bobi’s case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing abuses within Uganda’s security apparatus and the critical need for justice and reform.