By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
A prominent Ugandan fashion designer, Latif Madoi, known for his work with celebrities such as the late South African reggae star Lucky Dube and Jamaica’s Busy Signal, has vowed to regrow his dreadlocks, which were cut off following his arrest. Madoi, who spent over six weeks in detention, was released on bail for one million Ugandan shillings. Despite not being convicted of any crime, prison authorities insisted on cutting his dreadlocks, which he had been growing for 17 years.
Madoi expressed his heartbreak over losing his locs, describing them as his "crown." He recounted pleading with the prison officer to keep them and shedding a tear when they were cut. The 47 year old designer, who is well known for performing "fashion concerts" where he creates multiple dresses in a short time, now feels shy and less confident without his dreadlocks.
Madoi was arrested after police raided his fashion school, accusing him of possessing uniforms designated for exclusive use by the military and police, which is illegal under Ugandan law. However, Madoi, his lawyer, and many Ugandan supporters believe his arrest was due to his association with opposition leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Madoi had designed outfits for Bobi Wine’s concerts and political campaigns.
Madoi admitted to possessing a military uniform during the raid but clarified that it belonged to a friend serving in the US army. He is convinced his arrest was politically motivated because of his work for Bobi Wine. The Ugandan authorities have a history of targeting President Yoweri Museveni’s political opponents, with Bobi Wine being arrested numerous times under various charges, all of which he denies.
Bobi Wine announced Madoi’s release on social media, highlighting the indignity and humiliation Madoi endured. Madoi is scheduled to return to court on 29 July. Meanwhile, he is focused on rebuilding his business, as his school's sewing machines were seized during the raid. He is also working on regaining his confidence without his dreadlocks and has found some solace in the fact that his 14 year old daughter can now see him without them.