Exiled Ugandan lawyer and author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has described in detail the notorious “fridge” detention facility at the Special Forces Command (SFC) in Entebbe, following President Yoweri Museveni’s admission that Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were held there during their detention.
In a Facebook post, Kakwenza explained that the facility is built in a swampy area and maintained at freezing temperatures. Detainees are reportedly forced to keep moving constantly to survive, even with injuries.
“Those detained there are forced to dance or exercise non-stop, 24/7, even with broken legs, because that’s the only way to stay alive,” he wrote.
Blindfolds, handcuffs, blaring music, and the pervasive smell of sweat make the environment physically and psychologically extreme. (Facebook)
Kakwenza drew on his own experience, recalling that he was held in the same facility from December 28, 2021, until early 2022.
He described the constant cold and enforced movement as life-threatening, noting that detainees who stop moving risk freezing.
His account is detailed in his 2023 book The Savage Avenger, which chronicles his detention and alleged torture.
The lawyer’s explanation came after Museveni publicly confirmed that Njagi and Oyoo were briefly held in the “fridge” by Ugandan security forces, following earlier government denials about their whereabouts.
The two Kenyans were released last Friday after diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Uganda.
Kakwenza’s testimony sheds light on the extreme conditions inside the facility, highlighting the physical and mental strain detainees face.
He criticized the lack of parliamentary oversight in Uganda, saying that in any functioning democracy, such an admission would trigger immediate investigations.