A member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) identified Kibedi Ronald, a resident of Lubya in Rubaga division has reportedly gone missing shortly after returning to Uganda from Dubai.
This was unveiled during the party weekly brief at their headquarters where officials led by Waiswa Mufumbiro decried the continuous state attacks against their supporters.
Kibedi has for the last seven years been in Dubai where he has been pursuing better opportunities as he served the leading opposition as one of mobilizers in the Arab countries.
According to Kibedi’s mother Proscovia Menya, her son returned home last week, but has not been seen for over four days, leading to fear for his safety.
“Before missing, my son had told me of multiple phone calls unregistered numbers, threatening and warning him to keep his mouth shut or they deal with him. Those people might be wanting to kill my son.” Kibedi’s mother narrated as she broke down into tears.
Kibedi’s matter is not an isolated case as several other opposition supporters continue to get targeted and tortured by alleged security operatives.
Recently relatives of over 18 missing supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) stormed the High Court Civil Division in Kampala demanding whereabouts and the immediate release of their loved ones.
Through their lawyers of PACE Advocates led by George Musisi, relatives contend that the key government institutions such as the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Human Rights Commission have failed to account for their whereabouts.
The missing people are, John Bosco Kibalama, John Damulira, Shafik Wangolo, Martin Lukwago, Michael Semudu, Musisi Mbowa, Vincent Nalumoso, Dennis Zimbula, Muhammad Kanatta, George Katumba, Moses Mbabazi, Yuda Ssempijja, Alphat Mugumya, Peter Kitya, Mustapha Muwemba, Hassan Mubiru, Isma Ssesaazi, and Godfrey Kisembo.
The records submitted to the Court on Tuesday 23rd January indicate that missing persons were arrested by security agents from different places and taken into custody and they have neither been produced in any court of law nor charged with any lawful offense.
It’s upon such incidents that Kibedi’s mother helplessly cries to have her son back home or get produced in court if he committed any offense.
NUP officials have expressed solidarity with the family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the supporter’s disappearance. “This kind of intimidation is unacceptable. We stand with this family and demand the immediate return of their loved one,” deputy party spokesperson said.
When we contacted police about the disappearance of Kibedi, Luke Oweyesigire spokesperson of the Kampala Metropolitan area confirmed that the family had filed a case of their missing son and they are doing everything possible to follow up on the matter.
“We have started investigating the matter of Kibedi’s alleged disappearance, we shall inform you about any new development.” Oweyesigire told our reporter on a phone call.