Lives Less Ordinary - Opiyo’s law: Never let fear rule your life

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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. 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.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Maryam Maruf

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

Published on Sunday, 9th October 2022.

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