Uganda Today Edition: Kyagulanyi Demands Release of Abducted NUP Supporters, Slams Government Crackdown
By Uganda Today Political Desk
📍Kampala, Uganda | 🗓️ May 1, 2025
📢 Tags: Robert Kyagulanyi, NUP, Eddie Mutwe, Political Abductions Uganda, Uganda Opposition, Human Rights Uganda, People Power
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine and president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has intensified his campaign for the release of his abducted supporters, accusing the Ugandan government of orchestrating illegal detentions and enforced disappearances targeting opposition activists since 2020.
In his latest national address, Kyagulanyi expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of four key NUP members—Eddie Mutwe (his head of personal security), Mpalanyi Michael, Ssentongo Shakur, and Daniel Nsambu—all of whom remain missing days after being seized by unidentified operatives.
“These comrades have joined the long list of our supporters kidnapped, tortured, and held incommunicado by the regime. Some are dumped after months; others are never seen again,” Kyagulanyi said.
He further accused the state of weaponizing abductions to dismantle legitimate opposition organizing.
Ongoing Crackdown on NUP Activities
In addition to the abductions, Kyagulanyi condemned what he described as the “criminalization of political organizing” under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. NUP reports dozens of its meetings and mobilization events have been blocked or violently dispersed across the country in recent months.
“The regime’s persecution only proves how strong we are. We must stay focused, unite, and keep pushing. This injustice shall not stand,” he declared.
Diaspora Solidarity: Kenya NUP Chapter Meets Kyagulanyi
In a symbolic gesture of unity, Kyagulanyi met with officials from the Kenya Chapter of the NUP Diaspora community, who traveled to Uganda for an official visit. The discussions centered on regional solidarity, diaspora mobilization, and resource coordination to support victims of political repression in Uganda.
“I appreciate the great work our comrades in the diaspora are doing. Their courage inspires us, and I look forward to visiting them in Kenya soon,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Human Rights Groups Alarmed
Over the past four years, local and international human rights organizations—including Human Rights Watch, Chapter Four Uganda, and DefendDefenders—have repeatedly raised concerns over what they term a pattern of enforced disappearances and state-sponsored intimidation of opposition supporters.
Government authorities have consistently denied allegations of abductions, often dismissing them as fabricated or attributing arrests to legitimate security operations. However, mounting evidence—including survivor testimonies and leaked detention lists—has kept the issue alive in public discourse.
“People Power” Resilience
Despite mounting pressure, Kyagulanyi remains defiant and unwavering.
“Our power lies in the people. We shall not be silenced. We shall not give up. The struggle continues until freedom comes to Uganda,” he concluded.
The NUP leader’s latest remarks signal a renewed phase of grassroots mobilization, with domestic and international attention once again shifting to Uganda’s human rights record, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
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