African scholars have noted with concern the incarceration of Dr Stella Naynzi, an academic at Makarere University on charges of “cyber harassment…for disturbing the peace, quiet or right to privacy” of President Museveni and for so-called “provocative speech”. Free speech, however provocative or distasteful, is a hallmark of any free society, and has a long tradition in Uganda. We, as members of the African Studies Association of Africa strongly urge you to drop charges against Dr. Nyanzi, reinstate her freedom, and underscore your support for the exercise of academic freedom at in Uganda, including at Makerere University, one of the pillars of Higher Education on the continent.

African Studies Association of Africa