Ugandan private contractor Waiswa Trinity Muzamiru has condemned his alleged illegal detention at the Jebel Police Station, for 10 days without being taken to court.
Muzamiru told Radio Tamazuj from his detention facility at the Jebel Market Police Station that some police officers were demanding US$2,000 to facilitate his court appearance.
“I have tried all avenues for bail, but they have all failed. I have been waiting to learn about the final arrangements for my case. I am exhausted from being kept in this limbo. I deserve my rights, just like anyone else,” Muzamiru stated.
The contractor explained that he was hired by Givehealth Organization to oversee a project that concluded in June 2024. He described his work as monitoring, supervising, and procuring materials for construction. Despite completing his contractual obligations, Muzamiru alleges that he has faced significant challenges regarding his payment and subsequent legal troubles.
“The NGO which put me in jail is Givehealth Organization, accusing me of not engaging in the work for which we signed an agreement on 2/2/2024,” he said.
“I signed an agreement with the NGO for supervision and general monitoring of the project in Yuai, Jonglei State. We entered into the agreement on 02/2/2024, and I was meant to receive 40% on 2nd/02/2024, the day I started the work. However, there was no cash; I received my 40% on 28/02/2024. My first task in Juba was checking and supervising materials they were buying, fabrication of doors and windows, painting, procuring building and all other materials,” he explained.
“We spent from 02/2/2024 to 28/02/2024 on procurement and meetings with UNMISS in Bor. On 28/02/2024, we organized all materials on truck together with the contractors (builders) to take off from Juba to Bor where they were supposed to meet a UN convoy to escort them to Yuai. The following day, I and GoNGO team of three went to Bor, Deng, Pelu and Kong. In the evening, I came back to organize my trip because they said I would be leaving on 29th/2/2024. Unfortunately, the flight failed. The materials and the contractors took 5 days to reach the site on 5th/03/2024,” he narrated.
Muzamiru claimed that a meeting on 26/03/2024 informed him that his contract had been amended, an action he objected to.
“I found the amendment contradicting the original agreement and I rejected it. On 04/4/2024, the director issued a termination letter to me, and I stopped working.
“I sent him an email telling him to pay me for the days I had worked but I didn’t get any reply. After 7 months’ silence, they arrested me on 26/10/2024 for absconding from their work and that I should refund the 40% payment advanced to me,” he said.
Givehealth Organization could not be reached for comment. Attempts to reach the police spokesperson were also unsuccessful.
According to South Sudanese law, arrested individuals must be presented in court within 24 hours, raising concerns about the legality of Muzamiru’s prolonged detention.
The Ugandan national has urged authorities to either take him to court or grant him bail until the proceedings can begin.