Robert Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has strongly criticized the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for its handling of cases involving missing NUP supporters.

On October 10, the UHRC released a report stating that they have concluded investigations into 18 missing NUP supporters. These individuals were part of a list of 30 provided by the NUP secretariat for investigation. Mariam Wangadya, the UHRC chairperson, made this announcement.

Wangadya disclosed that UHRC’s attempts to reach out to security agencies and visit detention facilities were unsuccessful in locating 18 of the 30 missing persons reported by NUP. She clarified that the lack of National Identification Numbers (NIN) from NUP hindered the verification process for confirming the identities of these individuals.

Wangadya further cited ‘uncooperative behaviour’ from the next-of-kin of the missing persons as a major challenge.
“Some individuals outright refused to cooperate with investigators and others displayed lack of interest in assisting with the investigation,” reads part of the report.

She stated that during their investigations, the UHRC had contacted the listed individuals or their next of kin.
“Some revealed that those who were arrested had been released on police bond or court bail. Only four out of the 12 individuals were willing to have their cases further investigated, with the majority declining to provide statements to the commission,” the statement noted.

However, on October 12, Kyagulanyi responded by hosting families of the missing persons called for an end to the ‘mockery’ of those seeking justice and expressed disappointment in Wangadya, whom he described as unfit for her position.
“She lied that some of the next-of-kin of our people were non-cooperative and that some of them were no longer interested in pursuing the cases of their people,” he said.

“Today, our leaders have hosted these families. They reminded the nation of the circumstances by which their people were abducted and are still missing three or four years later. There are also recent abductees whose family members raised the plight of their people.”

He further pledged to pursue accountability and justice through both domestic and international avenues. NUP supporters whose whereabouts are still unknown include Moses Mbabazi aka Kawenja, Dennis Zzimula, Shafik Wangolo, Martin Lukwago, Peter Kirya, John Ddamulira, Michael Semuddu and Muhammad Kanatta. Others are John Bosco Kibalama, Vincent Nalumonso, Yuda Sempiijja, Musisi Mbowa, Musitafa Luwemba, Hassan Mubiru, Isma Ssesaazi, Godfrey Kisembo, George Kasumba and Joseph Baguma.

At that NUP press conference, family members of the missing individuals shed light on their abductions and continued disappearance over the span of three to four years. They wept as they recounted the experiences of disappointed and broken families in the aftermath of their loved ones’ abductions.

Monica Nabukeera, wife to Kibalama, said he went missing on June 3, 2019, and whereas the family has gone to various police stations, CMI, CPS, Kibuli, and Naguru, among others, they have failed to locate him.
“I was surprised when UHRC said that they contacted me to know details about my husband and I told them that I didn’t want to know. I think they called someone else, not me. I continue to ask for the release of my husband because even Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said he is in the hands of the government.”

Meanwhile, Agnes Nabwire, the wife to Kanatta, revealed that they are living in fear because his brother, Nasif Mutongole, was also recently arrested by security agencies.
“I am really delusional at the moment because I don’t know where my husband and brother-in-law are; who knows, I may be the next to be abducted. I have previously been arrested on frivolous charges and I cannot guarantee my safety in the current situation,” he said.

On the other hand, Charles Kiganda, a brother to Ddamulira, said he was abducted on November 21, 2020, from the Kisekka area.
“We have searched in all prisons like Kigo, Luzira, and Kitalya. We have been to CMI, Mbuya, and many places but we have failed to establish his whereabouts. But police had earlier said to have him in custody but we have never seen him nor in court.”

Thereafter, the family members attempted to meet with the UHRC at their head office on Buganda Road but were redirected to the regional office in Naguru. The families proceeded to Naguru and provided national IDs and other identification documents for their missing loved ones.

Following Kyagulanyi’s rebuttal and the storming of its offices, UHRC issued a statement in which it welcomed the families of missing persons.
“A team at our Central Regional Office in Naguru received them and diligently interacted with each one of them. It is this kind of joint effort and coordination we have been clamouring for since we initiated this investigation in November 2022. Together, we shall attain a society that respects human rights and fulfils its civic obligations.”

Credit: Observer UG