Entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal has filed a human rights petition at the High Court of Uganda against several senior Ugandan officials, accusing them of violating her constitutional rights through arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and inhumane treatment in October 2024.
Ms Oswal, a 27-year-old European citizen of Indian origin, is among the youngest female business leaders operating in Africa and serves as a director of PRO Industries, one of East Africa’s largest bioethanol production companies.
The petition names several officials from the Uganda Police Force and related institutions. Among those cited are Assistant Inspector General of Police and Interpol Director Joseph Obwona, former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba, the head of the Human Trafficking Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Joseph Kyomuhendo, and police detective Thomas Bbale, who acted as the investigating officer in the case.
The filing alleges that Bbale committed some of the most serious violations against Ms Oswal and claims she possesses evidence linking him to individuals involved in an alleged extortion attempt.
The petition also mentions Criminal Investigations Department officer Annette Karungi and Santosh Dwibhashi, a former employee accused of orchestrating the alleged extortion scheme that led to her arrest.
According to court documents, Ms Oswal, who also serves as executive director of Oswal Group Global, was detained for 21 days without evidence.
During that period, the petition claims she was denied access to medication, prevented from meeting her legal team and subjected to degrading treatment by law enforcement officials.
It further alleges that she was forced to kneel and strip in front of officers and was denied basic necessities such as food, water and hygiene facilities while her family faced pressure from individuals allegedly demanding money in exchange for her release.
The petition also states that jewellery belonging to Ms Oswal’s family, valued at about 150,000 US dollars, has not yet been returned despite the case against her being dismissed.
Her legal team says repeated requests have been sent to Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions seeking the return of the property.
Volterra Fieta, the international law firm representing the Oswal family, said the case raises serious concerns about respect for constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.
The firm argues that the detention violated Uganda’s Constitution as well as international legal standards governing personal liberty and humane treatment of detainees.
It also claims that judicial orders were ignored and that personal property was unlawfully seized during the investigation.
In addition to filing the petition before the High Court, the Oswal family has approached the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, asking it to review the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention and to examine whether Ugandan authorities complied with international legal obligations.
Ms Oswal’s legal representatives say the case is not only about seeking personal justice but also about strengthening accountability and protecting investor confidence in Uganda.
They argue that respect for the rule of law, judicial independence and protection of property rights are key factors for international investors operating in the country.
Through the petition, the legal team is seeking a declaration from the High Court that Ms Oswal’s constitutional rights were violated during her arrest and detention.
They are also requesting the prosecution of officials found responsible, the return of confiscated property and bond money, and financial compensation for what they describe as unlawful detention and the psychological and reputational damage it caused.
Despite the legal dispute, the Oswal family says it remains committed to investing in Uganda’s industrial sector. Ms Oswal said their investment in PRO Industries reflects long-term confidence in the country’s economic potential and its industrial development agenda.
She expressed confidence that Uganda’s judicial system would address the matter fairly and uphold legal protections for both citizens and international investors.
Ms Oswal noted that incidents of alleged misconduct by individual officials should not be seen as a failure of the entire system but rather as actions that require accountability through the courts.
Ms Oswal added that the family appreciates the support they have received from Ugandan authorities committed to the country’s industrial growth.
She specifically acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni, who visited the PRO Industries plant in late 2025, describing his leadership as important in promoting industrialisation and investment in Uganda.
