Ugandan dancehall artist Anitah Da Diva, born Anita Tushabe, has come forward with harrowing allegations of assault and unlawful confinement. The veteran musician, known for hits like “Zero Distance” and “Dance Overnight,” revealed through a video on Monday night that she had been locked up inside the Moonlight Apartments in Naalya by a man she had recently met online.
The Attack: Assault and Confinement in Naalya
In a visibly emotional video, Anitah recounted the traumatic encounter with a Nigerian man, whose identity remains undisclosed. According to the singer, the man invited her to meet at the apartment complex after connecting online. However, upon arrival, the situation quickly turned hostile.
The man allegedly made sexual advances, demanding that Anitah perform explicit acts. When she refused, he resorted to violence. Anitah claims he strangled her neck during the altercation before she managed to escape his grip, though he subsequently locked her inside the apartment premises against her will.
“This man wanted to kill me. He has now locked me up, and I cannot exit these apartments. I do not know him well; we only met on the internet and agreed to meet,” she said in the video.
Sexual Advances and Resistance
Anitah described the man’s behavior as predatory and aggressive, revealing that he repeatedly pressured her for sexual favors. “He told me, ‘suck my ****,’ but I refused. I am not a prostitute, I’m a diva, a musician, not a prostitute,” she stated.
The encounter left the singer shaken, and she expressed her fear for her life, calling out for immediate help. “I call upon whoever is concerned, please come save me from this terrorist Nigerian man, he tortures people,” she pleaded.
A Call for Justice and Police Involvement
Netizens have commended Anitah Da Diva for standing her ground and fighting back against her attacker. Many have urged her to escalate the matter to the police, ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions.
This incident has reignited conversations around the safety of women and the importance of taking legal action against perpetrators of gender-based violence.
A Troubled History: Not Her First Encounter with Violence
This is not the first time Anitah Da Diva has spoken out about being assaulted by a man. In 2019, the singer publicly sought help to escape from a violent boyfriend, alleging that he had forced her into drug abuse and abusive relationships.
Her past experiences highlight the ongoing challenges women face in abusive relationships and the courage it takes to speak out against violence.
Public Reaction: Sympathy and Support
Fans and social media users have expressed their sympathy for Anitah, praising her bravery in sharing her ordeal. Many have called for stricter measures to ensure women’s safety, particularly when meeting strangers through online platforms.
One user commented, “She is brave for speaking out. Let’s support her and ensure this man is brought to justice.” Another added, “Online meetings can be dangerous. Women must be cautious and seek public places for first encounters.”
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Awareness and Action
Anitah Da Diva’s harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online encounters and the need for greater awareness around personal safety. As the singer continues to seek justice, her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for stronger protections for women.
Authorities are expected to investigate the allegations, and many hope that this incident will lead to tangible actions against gender-based violence in Uganda. For now, fans and supporters stand by Anitah Da Diva, applauding her courage and resilience in the face of such adversity.
