By CJ Etyang
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has said it will produce a list of people said to be missing. The security body however said no one should pressurize them to make the list public since it will be released at an appropriate time.
There has been debate over the whereabouts of some Ugandans who mysteriously been disappearing since electioneering period. The opposition has been on the government’s neck demanding for answers over the continued vanishing of some of its supporters. But the UPDF has said it is compiling a list of Ugandan who have not been seen in public for quite some time.
The security body, however, told Uganda to be patient as it collaborates with other security agencies to establish those who have disappeared. UPDF Chief political commissar Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko said the list of people who are missing will be released “at the right time”.
According to the General, the public should not put the UPDF on pressure to have the list publicised urgently because professional people in security agencies are still handling investigations into the matter.
NUP, led by Bobi Wine and other opposition parties have been at the forefront accusing the ruling regime led by President Yoweri Museveni of spearheading acts of abduction of their members for fear that the opposition will grow strong and mount solider opposition to the government.
Bobi, particularly, has constantly posted on his official social media platforms videos and pictures of scenes he claims his supporters were abducted and driven to unknown places. The opposition says those abducted are being detained in safe houses where they are tortured. The government vehemently denies the allegation.
The opposition began making claims of the disappearance of its supporters and other likeminded Ugandans when presidential campaigns intensified ahead of the January presidential, parliamentary and local council elections.
Among those said to be nowhere to be seen are Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi’s close political allies who were at the centre of protecting the opposition votes during the presidential elections in which Bobi was defeated by President Museveni. Political analysts have said the continued disappearance of Ugandans is not good for the country principally at the international scene particularly the West which agitates for the respect of human rights.
UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso on February 16, denied that the force she works for is involved in any form of abductions. Byekwaso said what the UPDF in conjunction with the police is doing is arresting people security agencies have evidence are a threat to national security. She said UPDF will remain committed to promoting peace among Ugandans and any other international citizens who are in Uganda. (For comments on this story, call, text or whatsapp us on 0705579994, 0779411734, 0200900416 or email us at mulengera2040@gmail.com).