Indian-Swiss entrepreneur Vasundhara Oswal has filed a human rights petition at the High Court of Uganda against several high-ranking security and prosecution officials, accusing them of orchestrating her arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and inhumane treatment in October 2024.
Ms Oswal, a 27-year-old European citizen of Indian origin, is the executive director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global, a multibillion-dollar family business owned by her parents, tycoons Pankaj and Radhika Oswal, with investments across Africa including Uganda’s biofuel sector.
PRO Industries operates one of the largest bioethanol production units in East Africa.
In the petition, Ms Oswal names senior members of the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Among those listed are Assistant Inspector General of Police and Director of Interpol Uganda Joseph Obwona; former Commissioner of Police for Interpol Allison Agaba; Joseph Kyomuhendo, Head of the Human Trafficking Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and Detective Superintendent Thomas Bbale, described as the investigating officer in the matter.
The petition further names Annette Karungi, a Criminal Investigations Department officer, and Santosh Dwibhashi, a former employee whom Ms Oswal alleges masterminded an extortion scheme.
According to the filing, Mr Bbale is accused of committing “the most numerous and serious violations” against her, and Ms Oswal claims she possesses “the most compelling incriminating evidence demonstrating his coordination with extortionists who were falsely portrayed as victims.”
Ms Oswal alleges that she was arbitrarily imprisoned for 21 days without any evidence linking her to a criminal offence.
She further claims that her detention continued despite the existence of a court release order.
During the period in custody, she alleges she was denied access to medication and prevented from consulting her legal team.
She also claims she was subjected to degrading treatment, including being forced to kneel and strip in front of police officials, and was denied basic necessities such as food, water and access to hygiene facilities.
Her family, she alleges, was extorted by police and prison officials as well as local business figures who conspired to keep her in detention.
International law firm Volterra Fietta, acting for the Oswal family, described the case as “an egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law.”
“Our case seeks not confrontation, but justice and accountability under Ugandan and all international avenues available. We are seeking accountability and systemic reform to ensure that no individual, Ugandan or foreign, endures such abuse again,” the firm said in a statement.
The petition details alleged violations of Article 23 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees protection of personal liberty, and Article 24, which prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Museveni Appoints Girma Wake Acting CEO of Uganda Airlines, Directs Bamuturaki to Step AsideIt also cites Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects against arbitrary arrest and detention.
Ms Oswal further accuses the respondents of disregarding judicial orders, thereby undermining judicial independence and the rule of law.
The petition also raises claims of unlawful seizure of personal property, including jewellery and bond money amounting to USD 200,000.
The bond money, according to the filing, remains unreturned despite repeated requests directed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Beyond the High Court action, the Oswal family has petitioned the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to review Uganda’s handling of the case and to urge accountability for officials involved in what they describe as unlawful detention.
Ms Oswal’s legal team said the petition is not only a personal quest for justice but also a broader test of Uganda’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and the protection of human and investor rights.
The petition seeks prosecution of all officials who facilitated the alleged illegal arrest and imprisonment, return of confiscated property and bond money, a declaration that Ms Oswal’s constitutional rights were violated, and compensation for unlawful detention, psychological trauma and reputational damage.
Despite the legal battle, the Oswal family reiterated their continued commitment to Uganda’s industrialisation and energy transformation agenda.
“Our investment in PRO Industries reflects our long-term confidence in Uganda,” Ms Oswal said.
“We are confident that the justice system will uphold the rule of law and investor protections by holding those responsible accountable. This sort of behaviour is also condemned by H.E. President Museveni. Such conduct risks weakening Uganda’s investment appeal and sends a negative signal to the global business community.”
She added: “It’s important that the court addresses the conduct of the individuals involved and reaffirms that this matter does not reflect a failure of the system itself, but rather the actions of a limited number of individuals. We have full faith in Uganda’s judiciary to safeguard international investors and to reinforce our commitment to continued investment in the country’s development.”
Ms Oswal also expressed gratitude to President Museveni, who visited PRO Industries’ plant in late 2025, thanking him for his “industrial leadership and ongoing support.”
The matter now awaits hearing before the High Court, where Ms Oswal says she hopes constitutional safeguards will be reaffirmed and accountability established.
