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Outlook: Opiyo’s law: Never let fear rule your life, part 1

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Opiyo’s law: Never let fear rule your life, part 1

07/09/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - Outlook, Opiyo’s law: Never let fear rule your life, part 1

Nicholas Opiyo survived civil war to become one of Uganda’s top human rights lawyers

Nicholas Opiyo survived civil war to become one of Uganda’s top human rights lawyers, overturning the country’s anti-gay law. But he’s paid a price for upsetting the powerful.

In September 2020, Nicholas Opiyo awoke to a commotion in his flat. There had been a robbery and all his personal electronics had been stolen. He says he tracked his devices to a shocking and impenetrable location: the headquarters of Uganda’s military intelligence.  He believes he was targeted because of his work.  

The Ugandan authorities chose not to respond to these allegations. 

Opiyo, as he prefers to be known, survived civil war to become one of Uganda’s top human rights lawyers. He’s taken on huge cases, including successfully overturning the country’s anti-LGBTQ legislation in 2014. He’s received awards for his efforts but also hostility – even within his own family. The break-in at his home was ominous. Months later, Opiyo would be arrested – on false charges – and he'd need to make a life-changing choice. 

This episode is part one of Opiyo’s story, catch up with part two on this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct34wh

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Maryam Maruf

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

(Photo: Nicholas Opiyo. Credit: Courtesy of Nicholas Opiyo)

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