KAMPALA, Uganda — Natabi Fauzia, the wife of a personal assistant to opposition figure Bobi Wine, has been formally charged in court after spending more than a month in detention, sparking concern among lawyers and rights advocates.
Fauzia was on Monday presented before the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with using a SIM card registered in another person’s name. Her court appearance followed 35 days in detention, during which her lawyers allege she was held incommunicado.
Her husband, Don Sherrif, serves as a personal assistant to Bobi Wine, a prominent critic of the Ugandan government.
According to legal representatives, a habeas corpus application had earlier been filed seeking Fauzia’s production in court, arguing that her detention was unlawful. It remains unclear under what circumstances she was initially arrested or where she had been held.
The case has drawn criticism from some civil society actors and commentators, who have questioned both the length of detention and the nature of the charge. Critics argue that prolonged detention without trial undermines constitutional safeguards and due process.
Authorities had not immediately issued a detailed public statement on the allegations or the detention by the time of publication.
The charge of using a SIM card registered in another person’s name falls under Uganda’s telecommunications and SIM card registration regulations, which require individuals to use properly registered lines for identification and security purposes.
Fauzia’s case adds to ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement practices in Uganda, particularly in cases involving individuals linked to opposition figures. Proceedings in the matter are expected to continue in the coming days.
