KAMPALA, UGANDA — A firestorm of controversy has erupted following a scathing social media post by Ugandan activist and writer Dr. Stella Nyanzi, who has leveled shocking allegations against fellow exiled novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija.
Nyanzi’s post on her social media X handle platform, detailing her initial care for Kakwenza’s alleged torture wounds upon his arrival in Germany, quickly pivoted to accuse him of abandoning his wife and three children, leaving them in a “scholarship-house” and neglecting his familial responsibilities.
“Why must we empathize with an adult man who does not empathize with his church-wife and three children that he abandoned in a scholarship-house in Germany?” Nyanzi questioned, her words carrying a tone of deep disappointment. “What human rights defender neglects to care for his wife and children?” she further asked, challenging the public’s continued support for Kakwenza.
The post, has ignited a fierce debate within the Ugandan diaspora and among observers of the country’s political scene.
This dramatic turn of events casts a shadow over Kakwenza’s narrative, which previously centered on his harrowing experiences of alleged torture at the hands of Ugandan authorities. Kakwenza, known for his satirical novels like “The Greedy Barbarian” and “Banana Republic: Where Writing is Treasonous,” faced multiple arrests and claimed brutal mistreatment for his critical writings, which often targeted government corruption and authoritarianism.
Photos of scars across his back, which he attributed to torture, sparked international condemnation and calls for accountability.
Following his release on bail in early 2022, Kakwenza fled Uganda, fearing for his life and seeking medical treatment for his injuries. He found refuge in Germany, where he has since resided in exile. His case became a symbol of the cost of dissent in Uganda, highlighting the government’s alleged crackdown on freedom of expression.
However, Nyanzi’s recent allegations now introduce a complex and potentially damaging dimension to Kakwenza’s story. While he garnered widespread sympathy as a victim of state persecution, he now faces serious accusations regarding his personal conduct in exile.
The allegations force a critical examination of the interplay between public activism and private responsibility, raising questions about whether an individual can be a champion of human rights while allegedly neglecting their own family.
As of this publication, Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has not publicly responded to Dr Stella Nyanzi’s claims. The controversy is expected to continue to unfold, with news outlets seeking to verify the allegations and provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities faced by individuals in exile and the scrutiny that public figures, even those who have suffered greatly, can face on both public and private fronts.
