Sources close to the situation say officials have met with Muvawala’s relatives but have yet to provide any clear answers.
Politicians, relatives, and friends of Charles Bukenya Muvawala are demanding answers from security agencies following his disappearance early Wednesday morning.
The Ugandan-American businessman and Vice President of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) was reportedly abducted from Happy Boyz Bar in Nakulabye, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have downplayed the abduction claims, suggesting Muvawala may have staged his own disappearance.
Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye speculated that he could be seeking to benefit from US President Donald Trump’s recent policy on stateless persons, which provides certain protections to individuals without formal citizenship.
Security footage shows Muvawala inside the bar before stepping out to withdraw money from an ATM.
Morris Mujulizi, an accountant at Happy Boyz, recalled that Muvawala never returned.
While the area is usually crowded, no eyewitnesses have confirmed seeing him being taken.
Some locals mentioned spotting security personnel and Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) operatives near the bar that night, though this remains unverified.
His family has since searched police stations for information, but security agencies have denied holding him.
Sources close to the situation say officials have met with Muvawala’s relatives but have yet to provide any clear answers.
UNAA has condemned the disappearance, calling it a violation of human rights and vowing to push for his safe return.
“We will not rest until Charles is back with his family,” the association stated.
Muvawala, a known supporter of Dr. Kizza Besigye, left Uganda after the disputed 2006 elections and has since been active in advocating for Ugandans abroad.
His disappearance has reignited concerns over security agencies’ role in politically sensitive cases and the growing trend of enforced disappearances in Uganda.
