WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVISTS DEMAND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF MS. ROSE TUMUSIIME

JOINT STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

28 September 2026

Kampala, Uganda – We, the undersigned human rights organizations and community advocates, are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Ms. Rose Tumusiime, currently held in police custody in connection with a brawl that resulted in the tragic death of musician Moses Matovu.

While we mourn the loss of life and extend our condolences to the family, fans, and loved ones of Mr. Matovu, we are deeply concerned by the continued detention of Ms. Tumusiime without presentation before court.

Facts established so far indicate that:

1. The fatal act was committed by a person already in police custody, not by Ms. Tumusiime.

2. Ms. Tumusiime has  been  in  police custody  for more than 48 hours without appearing before a competent court of law.

3. Women are routinely criminalized, detained, and punished for violence perpetrated against them or around them by clients and third parties.

Holding a woman accountable for the violent actions of another is a miscarriage of justice and a clear case of discrimination based on her perceived occupation or connection to the deceased, Moses Matovu. It reinforces the dangerous pattern or stereotype where perceived sex workers are treated as criminals first and victims never.

We therefore demand that:

1. The Uganda Police Force immediately release Ms. Rose Tumusiime from unlawful custody or produce her before a competent court without delay.
2. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions prosecute the actual perpetrator of the murder, and not scapegoat a vulnerable woman to show quick action.
3. The rights, dignity and safety of Ms. Tumusiime be respected while in custody, including protection from harassment, extortion and gender-based violence, her access to lawyers and family be allowed too.
4. All charges relating to the brawl against Ms. Tumusiime be dropped, and the investigation focuses on the facts of the homicide, unless otherwise.

A woman who was present during a fight should not be made to carry the blame for a man’s decision to kill.

We will continue to monitor this case closely. For media inquiries, contact: