Exiled Ugandan author arrives in Germany

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Tortured Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija arrived Wednesday in Germany, ending an escape to exile.

Rukirabashaija fled Uganda two weeks ago, fearing for his life, after spending a month in detention, where he said he was tortured and maimed.

He will undergo treatment for injuries sustained in detention and PEN International, a worldwide association of writers, will include him as a fellow in its Writers-in-Exile program, which provides grants to authors facing persecution in their home countries.

"I'm being persecuted for being a thinker. Uganda hates thinkers, so I'm being punished,” Rukirabashaija said when he arrived in Germany.

Rukirabashaija’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza, said it is a relief that his client is in Germany.

The writer was recently charged because of offensive comments he made on social media concerning the Ugandan president’s son. He is also battling a court case.

Although authorities confiscated his passport, Rukirabashaija was able to slip out of Uganda by walking to neighboring Rwanda.

He then entered a third unnamed country before the UN Refugee Agency facilitated his travel to Europe.

Crackdowns on critics have increased in intensity and violence in Uganda during the last year. There are also many serious reports of torture.

Members of the opposition in parliament are currently collecting signatures to censure Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi for allegedly abdicating his responsibility in the face of torture of citizens by security officers.

Rukirabashaija appeared in court only after widespread domestic and international pressure, including from the US and the European Union.

Human rights defenders are calling for a “comprehensive investigation” into rights abuses in Uganda.