UNNA Chief Charles Muvawala Abducted- Is Uganda Still Safe For Political Activist

The recent abduction of Charles Muvawala, the Vice President of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), is yet another chilling reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in Uganda. Muvawala was reportedly picked up in the dead of night by unidentified security operatives, and his whereabouts remain unknown. This brazen act follows a disturbing pattern of enforced disappearances, torture, and harassment meted out to citizens, particularly those associated with the opposition, such as the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).

The involvement of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) — a unit known for operating outside the law — in such operations further highlights the dangerous lack of transparency within Uganda’s security apparatus. Official security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), have often distanced themselves from these abductions, creating a climate of impunity where no one is held accountable.

This is not an isolated incident. Ugandans still remember the horrific crimes of the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU), later renamed the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) — both disbanded after allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions. However, these disbandments have done little to curb human rights abuses.

In November 2024, opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was reportedly abducted in Nairobi and brought back to Uganda, only to be charged in a military court — a clear violation of the Supreme Court ruling that civilians should not face military trials.

The ongoing harassment of opposition figures, activists, and ordinary citizens is a direct attack on the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The continued silence and inaction from institutions like the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) only embolden these rogue elements within the security forces.

We call upon:

The Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg)

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (@UPDFspokespersn)

Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT)

Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI)

Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug)

Uganda Human Rights Commission (@UHRC_UGANDA)

Amnesty International (@amnesty)

Human Rights Watch (@hrw)

UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights)

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (@achpr_cadhp)

Embassy of the United States in Uganda (@usmissionuganda)

European Union in Uganda (@EUinUG)

to demand the immediate release of Charles Muvawala and all other abducted citizens. The Ugandan government must take full responsibility for these heinous acts and ensure that those behind these crimes are brought to justice.

The international community must not remain silent. The people of Uganda deserve a country where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their lives are protected.

Enough is enough!

#FreeMuvawala
#FreeUganda
#StopAbductionsUG
#HumanRightsForAll