We Where Beaten, Freed NUP Electoral Officials Recount Ordeal After Alleged Abduction

Officials from the Electoral Commission of the National Unity Platform (NUP), including Mercy Walukamba and Rahma Juma, who were allegedly abducted by people dressed in both military and civilian attire on Tuesday this week, have spoken out about their ordeal.

The two claim they were subjected to inhumane torture and intense interrogation about the internal affairs of NUP.

Juma, who was visibly in pain, narrated to journalists that they were abducted at around 7:30 PM on Tuesday while traveling along Mpigi Road after attending the burial of their fellow party member, Johnmary Ssebuffu’s mother in Rakai District.

Walukamba and Juma allege that they were taken to an unknown location with blind folds where they were subjected to intense interrogation about NUP’s internal affairs, particularly concerning the elections in Kawempe North.

 

The NUP Electoral Commission officials further claim that they were later taken to Kireka Police Station, where they were detained without any formal charges or being allowed to record statements.

 

NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya says that many of their party members, including “foot soldiers,” are now living in fear, and some are missing.

 

Among those who were allegedly abducted along with them were four other party members.

 

When asked about the 48-hour detention rule that had elapsed, Rubongoya criticized the government’s continued targeting of opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye.

 

The police have declined to comment on the matter.