Authorities have detained singer Vyroota on allegations of procuring an abortion. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed his arrest on Thursday evening.
“Vyroota is in our custody on allegations of procuring abortion. There was a lady with whom he had an intimate relationship who got pregnant. When the lady communicated the developments to Vyroota he expressed his reservations on becoming a parent. ” – Afande Onyango.
According to Afande Onyango, Vyroota then requested the lady whose identity had been reserved to carry out an abortion. However, this request fell on deaf ears as she was not comfortable with the process. Afande Onyango also revealed that the musician’s manager Walugembe also tried to coarse the lady into removing the pregnancy.
“Following the pressure the lady removed the pregnancy an act that didn’t go well with the parents that opened a case with police.” – Afande Onyango.
With the file sanctioned for investigations, both Vyroota and his manager have since been arrested and detained at Kira Division Police.
VYROOTA IN FOR EXTENSIVE LEGAL BATTLES
Under the Constitution of Uganda, abortion is largely prohibited except under limited circumstances to save the life or preserve the health of the mother, as provided for in Article 22(2). This clause requires that any medical procedure terminating a pregnancy must be carried out by a licensed medical practitioner and only under lawful and justifiable conditions. Beyond this exception, the Penal Code Act criminalizes abortion, with severe penalties for individuals involved, including those who procure, facilitate, or perform abortions.
Violating these laws carries significant repercussions. A person found guilty of procuring or assisting in an abortion could face imprisonment, as outlined under Section 141 of the Penal Code Act. Additionally, accomplices such as Vyroota and his manager, in this case may also be held criminally liable. These stringent legal measures reflect the government’s intent to deter unlawful terminations of pregnancies while safeguarding maternal health within a framework of ethical and constitutional principles.
