Ugandan Designer’s Dreadlocks Cut in Jail

Summary:

• Latif Madoi, a prominent Ugandan fashion designer, is “depressed” after authorities cut his dreadlocks during his detention, says his lawyer George Musisi.

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Hints:

• Charges: Madoi, 47, was charged with possessing “uniforms declared to be for the exclusive use” of the military and police.
• Detention: He has been held for over a month in Kasangati prison, near Kampala.
• Identity: Madoi’s dreadlocks were crucial to his Rasta identity, according to his lawyer.

Latif Madoi was at his fashion academy on May 13 when police officers arrested him and four of his students, seizing sewing machines and garments. Prosecutors charged Madoi with possessing military uniforms, a crime in Uganda. More than a month later, he remains in Kasangati prison on the outskirts of Kampala.

Madoi’s lawyer, George Musisi, told BBC News that his client is “depressed” due to being forced to cut off the dreadlocks he spent 17 years growing. Haircuts are standard for Ugandan inmates, but Madoi’s dreadlocks were essential to his Rasta identity.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine visited Madoi in jail and shared on social media that the designer’s “greatest pain was having to lose his dreadlocked hair.” Critics believe Madoi was targeted for designing Bobi Wine’s signature red overalls. The hashtag #FreeLatif is circulating on social media.

Police claim they found illegal military garments at Madoi’s academy, including “military overalls,” “military caps,” and “army green shorts.” Wearing military uniforms has been illegal in Uganda since 2005, with red berets recently added to the list. Madoi’s lawyer disputes the police’s claims, stating no illegal items were found at the school.

Before his arrest, Madoi was already a well-known figure in Uganda’s fashion scene, having designed for celebrities like Bobi Wine, Lucky Dube, and Busy Signal. He also founded and teaches at a fashion academy aimed at equipping students with life skills.

Madoi’s arrest occurred during a crackdown on civilians wearing military or police uniforms. On the day of his arrest, the Uganda Police Force launched an “intelligence-led operation” to confiscate such items and prosecute those possessing them.

Musisi believes Madoi’s arrest aims to intimidate opposition supporters. In Uganda, security forces have a history of targeting President Yoweri Museveni’s political opponents, including Bobi Wine.

Fellow designers in Uganda fear similar treatment, with one designer, Lwazi Paddy, expressing shock over Madoi’s arrest. Madoi’s bail hearing is scheduled for June 24, and his lawyer is hopeful for a favorable outcome. However, the impact of having his dreadlocks cut will serve as a constant reminder of his ordeal.

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