The National Unity Platform (NUP) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of Bright Muhumuza, a committed party supporter, by heavily armed personnel of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). According to reports, Muhumuza was taken from a restaurant in Mbarara City on the evening of March 18 and forcibly transported to an undisclosed location in a vehicle registered as UAK 707G.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as another example of political persecution in Uganda. “We have just been notified about the abduction of our comrade Bright Muhumuza by heavily armed UPDF soldiers. They found him at a restaurant, took him forcefully, and drove him to an unknown location in a drone, Reg. No. UAK 707G,” Kyagulanyi stated.
Political Repression Sparks Outrage
The abduction has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition members and human rights activists. Many fear this is part of an ongoing crackdown on political dissent. The NUP has previously accused the government of using state security forces to intimidate and silence opposition supporters ahead of upcoming political events.
Kyagulanyi reaffirmed his party’s resilience despite the increasing oppression. “The criminal regime is on a rampage, BUT WE ARE NOT SCARED,” he declared. He emphasized that the NUP remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for justice and democratic freedoms in Uganda.
Growing Concern for Political Activists’ Safety
Human rights organizations have frequently documented cases of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests of opposition members in Uganda. Activists argue that such actions undermine democracy and violate international human rights laws. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, political activists in Uganda continue to face targeted harassment, detention without trial, and physical abuse.
A representative from the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) called for an immediate investigation into the incident, urging the government to provide clarity on Muhumuza’s whereabouts. “The state must ensure that all individuals are accorded due process under the law. Enforced disappearances have no place in a democratic society,” the spokesperson stated.
Demands for Immediate Release
Kyagulanyi has demanded the unconditional release of Muhumuza and all other political prisoners detained by the government. “We demand the freedom of comrade Bright and all other political prisoners. Supporting the National Unity Platform is not a crime!” he asserted. He further called upon the international community to take note of the increasing suppression of opposition voices in Uganda.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have also urged the Ugandan government to uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and association. They argue that political diversity is essential for a healthy democracy and that suppressing dissenting voices only deepens national divisions.
International Reaction and Calls for Action
The abduction of political activists in Uganda has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and foreign governments. The United Nations has previously urged Uganda to respect human rights and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly under the law. The European Union and the United States have also condemned arbitrary detentions and politically motivated arrests in the country.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement last year warning against increasing political violence in Uganda. “We call on the Ugandan government to respect human rights, allow peaceful political activities, and ensure the safety of all citizens,” the statement read.
As pressure mounts, NUP supporters are planning peaceful demonstrations to demand the immediate release of Muhumuza. The party has also vowed to escalate legal action against what it calls state-sponsored persecution. Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have yet to comment on the abduction allegations.
