The coordinator for the National Unity Platform (NUP) School of Leadership, Doreen Kaija, has reportedly been abducted from her home by heavily armed security operatives. Eyewitnesses say two “drone” vans — a term Ugandans have come to associate with abductions — stormed her residence and whisked her away to an unknown location.
Kaija’s abduction adds to the growing list of NUP leaders and supporters who have fallen victim to enforced disappearances in recent months. Families and colleagues describe a climate of fear, where targeted arrests and abductions have become a routine method of silencing dissent.
A Pattern of Abductions
Since the 2021 general elections, reports of NUP supporters being picked up by security forces — often without warrants or charges — have continued to surface. Victims are allegedly blindfolded, beaten, and detained in undisclosed facilities, with many resurfacing weeks or months later bearing marks of torture. Others remain missing to this day.
Notable past incidents include:
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The abduction of supporters in Masaka and Mpigi districts during post-election protests.
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The disappearance of NUP mobilizers in Kampala accused of mobilizing against government programs.
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The 2023 re-arrest and disappearance of several activists who had been released on bail.
Families Left in Limbo
Relatives of abducted victims are often left in the dark, moving between police stations and military facilities in search of their loved ones. Many report being intimidated or warned to “stay quiet” if they want to see them again.
Growing Concern
Human rights defenders and opposition leaders argue that the abductions point to a systematic campaign to cripple the opposition and instill fear among the public. Despite repeated calls for investigations and accountability, authorities often dismiss the allegations or remain silent.
As Doreen Kaija’s whereabouts remain unknown, pressure is mounting on the Ugandan government to address the wave of abductions and to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
