The East African Community (EAC) member states are being urged to provide avenues that will strengthen arising legal business disputes to protect investors.
Oswal Group Global Executive Director Vasundhara Oswal says arbitrary detention, closure of businesses and long legal processes in some countries is driving away foreign direct investments.
Oswal who has filed a constitutional and human rights petition in Uganda against high-ranking officials, is calling for alternative and robust dispute resolution mechanisms for businesses.
In her petition, Oswal cited grave violations of constitutional and human rights law arising from her arbitrary arrest, illegal detention, and inhumane treatment in October 2024.
The petition alleges that Ms Oswal, who is the executive director of PRO Industries and Oswal Group Global, was arbitrarily imprisoned for 21 days without any evidence.
During this period, she was denied medication, prevented from accessing her legal team, subjected to degrading treatment such as kneeling and stripping in front of police officials and denied basic necessities such as food, water and access to hygiene while her family was extorted by police and prison officials, as well as local business figures, who conspired to keep her in detention.
“This case represents an egregious breach of both Ugandan legislation and international human rights law,” said international law firm Volterra Fietta, acting for the Oswal family.
“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.”
Despite the ordeal, 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 emphasised, “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.”
PRO Industries, one of the largest bioethanol production units in East Africa.
