Wave of High-Profile Abductions Sparks Outrage as Opposition Leader Calls for Constitutional Protections
Tensions in the capital reached a breaking point following a series of high-profile abductions targeting political commentators and ruling-party figures, culminating in the dramatic mid-broadcast seizure of political analyst Charles Rwomushana from a Kampala radio station.
The incident occurred during a live airing of Radio Simba’s popular current affairs program Gasimbagane N’ebanamawulire. Armed plainclothes operatives stormed the broadcast studios, forcibly removing Rwomushana and dragging him out of the building as station staff looked on. Video footage circulating online showed armed security personnel apprehending the analyst shortly after he made controversial on-air remarks addressing internal power struggles within the ruling establishment.
The raid on Radio Simba is part of a broader, troubling trend of enforced disappearances targeting public figures across the political spectrum. Days prior, Ivan Mwijukye, a youth activist associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), was intercepted by plainclothes operatives in Mpigi while traveling by bus from Mbarara. Another NRM supporter, Matthew Bagonza, has also been missing for over a week following a similar abduction.
Opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) president Bobi Wine issued a strong public statement unequivocally condemning the wave of abductions. Writing on social media, the opposition figure emphasized that the struggle for justice must transcend political rivalries.
“Our struggle is not for selective justice or personal vengeance. It is for the rule of law and the constitutional rights of every single Ugandan,” Wine stated. He pointed out the irony that those who previously condoned state impunity are now falling victim to the same lawlessness, calling on the regime to end arbitrary detentions and restore constitutional order.
As of Saturday, security agencies and the Uganda Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding the whereabouts or legal status of the abducted commentators. Rights groups and civil society organizations continue to demand the immediate release of the detainees and an independent investigation into the illegal arrests.
