A prominent Ugandan fashion designer, Latif Madoi, plans to regrow his dreadlocks after they were cut off during his detention. Madoi, who has created clothing for celebrities like Lucky Dube and Busy Signal, was arrested and held for over six weeks without conviction.
Prison authorities insisted on cutting his dreadlocks, which he had grown for 17 years.
Released on bail for one million Ugandan shillings ($269), Madoi expressed heartbreak over losing his locs, which he considered his “crown.” Despite this, he remains determined to maintain his identity and return to performing fashion concerts.
Madoi was arrested for allegedly possessing military uniforms, but he and his supporters believe it was due to his association with opposition leader Bobi Wine. Madoi had designed Wine’s signature red overalls for his political campaigns.
The Ugandan authorities have not commented on the case. Madoi is set to appear in court on 29 July and is focused on rebuilding his fashion school, which suffered losses during the raid.