Dr. Stella Nyanzi, a medical anthropologist, feminist scholar, and researcher at the Makerere University Institute of Social Research, was arrested after publishing a poem on Facebook critical of President Yoweri Museveni and his mother. The poem used explicit sexual metaphors and vulgar language, which is characteristic of “radical rudeness,” a traditional Ugandan form of protest that Nyanzi had adapted for her activism.

Prior to her arrest, Nyanzi had already faced sanctions from Makerere University, including suspension from her research position in 2017 after she staged a nude protest against the closure of her office. Her critical stance on government policies, particularly regarding women’s rights and public health, had made her a target of harassment.

Nyanzi was charged under the Computer Misuse Act with “cyber harassment” and “offensive communication.” Her trial was marked by procedural irregularities, and she was held in Luzira Women’s Prison throughout. On August 2, 2019, she was found guilty of cyber harassment and sentenced to 18 months in prison, though acquitted of the “offensive communication” charge. During her sentencing, she suffered a miscarriage in prison but was denied prompt medical attention.

On February 20, 2020, the High Court of Uganda overturned her conviction on appeal, citing lack of jurisdiction and fair trial violations. Throughout her imprisonment, Nyanzi continued writing poetry and essays criticizing the government. Her case became emblematic of the Ugandan government’s increasing use of cybercrime legislation to silence academic and political dissent.