Government Denies Abduction Claims as Opposition Vows to Press for Missing Supporters
Kampala – A sharp exchange has unfolded between the Government and the Opposition in Parliament over allegations of state-sponsored abductions and the security deployment around the home of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi.
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, categorically denied accusations that the state abducted two senior NUP officials, Lina Zedriga and Lydia Tukamushabe. The allegations were made by the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who has been vocal about the whereabouts of missing party supporters.
“Government may delay to produce the victims past the 48 stipulated time, but the State ‘doesn’t abduct’ as alleged,” Gen Muhoozi stated, addressing the concerns in Parliament.
Further, the Minister dismissed claims that Kyagulanyi’s residence had been turned into a prison due to a heavy security presence. “His home can only be deemed a prison if it is gazetted, with people occupying it, but Kyagulanyi himself isn’t home,” Muhoozi argued. He acknowledged the issue of security deployment but suggested, “such inconveniences can be ironed out.”
These denials did not placate the Opposition. In a firm rebuttal, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi vowed to continue using parliamentary channels to demand answers. “I don’t care if some of the Members of Parliament complain that I am pestering Government,” Ssenyonyi declared. He emphasized that Parliament is a legitimate avenue to “task government for the whereabouts of Opposition supporters abducted by the State.”
The political rift was further underscored by Ssenyonyi’s explicit refusal to offer traditional congratulations to President Yoweri Museveni and newly sworn-in MPs. He stated that “there are still issues to be taken care of,” and advised them not to feel slighted, adding, “there are people who can congratulate them, other than him.”
The standoff highlights the deepening tensions between the government and the opposition, particularly concerning human rights and the treatment of political dissent. While the government maintains its actions are within legal bounds, the opposition insists on accountability for missing persons, setting the stage for continued confrontations in the legislature.
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