Uganda charge female academic over uncomplimentary remarks

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Uganda charge female academic over uncomplimentary remarks

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Uganda authorities Monday has charged a prominent female academic and activist with making uncomplimentary remarks against President Yoweri Museveni on her Facebook page.The 42 year-old University lecturer, Dr Stella Nyanzi’s dissatisfaction was expressed with the use of sexually-explicit social media posts, criticizing the president and his wife.Nyanzi tongue-lashed Janet Museveni, a member of cabinet, after government failed to fulfil its campaign on free supply of sanitary pads to poor school girls and passing hurtful messages against the first couple.She was in court in Kampala Monday to answer charges on remarks considered “obscene or indecent.”The charge document is pertaining to a Facebook publication dated January 28 “where she made a suggestion or proposal referring (to) His Excellency, Yoweri Museveni as among others, ”˜a pair of buttocks’.”According to the Facebook post, she said: “That is what buttocks do. They shake, jiggle, shit and fart. Museveni is just another pair of buttocks”¦ Ugandans should be shocked that we allowed these buttocks to continue leading our country.”The charge does not include any mention for insults made against the first lady.“Dr Stella Nyanzi has been charged with cyber-harassment and offensive communication (and) using her Facebook posts to disturb President Museveni’s privacy, which she denies,” defence counsel, Nicholas Opiyo told AFP.“Dr. Nyanzi is within her constitutional rights and we are for an all-out legal battle with the state to defend her rights.”Nyanzi work focuses on the study of African sexualities, but most times, she is accused by analysts on her page of missing the mark on using her graphical sexual imagery and narratives to positively impact the society.But Nyanzi cause is gaining momentum with support coming from Maria Burnett, senior Africa Researcher at Human Rights Watch, who condemned the state arrest on Saturday.“The arrest and criminal charges brought against Dr. Nyanzi are yet another clear indicator that those who express critical views of the government can face its wrath.“The manner of Nyanzi’s arrest on Friday was more about intimidation than law enforcement,” she lamented.

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