Popular Ugandan fashion designer 'depressed' after losing dreadlocks in jail
Ugandan designer Latif Madoi was arrested at his academy on 13 May, along with four students, for allegedly possessing military and police uniforms, which is illegal in Uganda.
Over a month later, he remains in Kasangati prison, depressed, partly due to the forced removal of his dreadlocks, which were a significant part of his Rasta identity.
He is "depressed", his lawyer George Musisi told BBC News, and having to cut off the dreadlocks he spent 17 years growing is one of the main reasons.
Haircuts are standard procedure for all inmates in Uganda but Mr Madoi's locs were key to his Rasta identity, Mr Musisi says.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, for whom Madoi designed signature red overalls, visited him and expressed solidarity on social media, questioning the arrest since the same overalls are worn publicly by Wine himself.
Critics suggest Madoi's arrest is linked to his association with Wine. Police claim they found illegal military garments at Madoi's school, but his lawyer disputes this, noting a lack of evidence.
Madoi, a renowned designer with several African fashion awards, has also designed for celebrities like Lucky Dube and Busy Signal. The "#FreeLatif" campaign is gaining traction on social media.
