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<p>We are concerned that the Ugandan novelist, Kakwenza Rukirabashija, following a
series of tweets, was detained at his home on 28 December 2021 and then held without
charge for 14 days at an unknown facility. Using legislation, such as the Computer
Misuse Act, to stifle freedom of expression is very worrying. We welcome the decisions
of the Chief Magistrate's Court and the High Court in relation to Rukirabashija's
release and habeas corpus. We note, however, that Rukirabashija was subsequently charged
and placed on remand.</p><p>We urge the Government of Uganda to ensure that the rule
of law is upheld as a vital component of democracy. Rukirabashija must be afforded
all of his rights under the Constitution of Uganda, including access to legal representation.
<ins class="ministerial">I (Minister for Africa) expressed the importance of upholding
human rights with the President of Uganda during my visit to Uganda on 19 January
2022.</ins> Our High Commission in Kampala issued a tweet on 7 January publicly stating
our concern over Rukirabashija's continued detention. The High Commission has also
set out our concerns over his detention with the Government of Uganda, Uganda's human
rights institutions and the security services. We have urged all to ensure that Uganda
honours its constitutional commitments and international human rights law.</p>
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