KAMPALA, Uganda — Journalist and lawyer Gideon Tugume has reportedly been detained after being picked from his home in Gayaza, Wakiso District, by men in uniform, according to his family and colleagues.
Witnesses said the men arrived in a vehicle commonly referred to as a “drone” — a term often used in Uganda to describe vehicles associated with security operations — before taking Tugume to an undisclosed location.
By Tuesday morning, Tugume’s whereabouts remained unknown, with his colleagues and fellow lawyers calling on authorities to reveal where he is being held and allow him access to his family and legal representation.
The Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had not issued any official statement regarding the reported detention by the time of publication, and the reason for his arrest remained unclear.
Tugume’s reported detention comes days after he made controversial comments during an appearance on Radio 4 Uganda, where he questioned the biological relationship between President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
During the radio programme, Tugume suggested that President Museveni should consider taking a DNA test to establish the relationship, remarks that triggered criticism from supporters of Gen. Muhoozi.
Gen. Muhoozi had not publicly responded to Tugume’s comments at the time of publication.
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about freedom of expression, political discourse, and the limits of public commentary in Uganda.
President Museveni has previously criticized what he described as increasing political indiscipline and abusive language in public discussions.
As of Tuesday, Tugume’s family and colleagues continued to seek clarification from authorities regarding his detention and current location.
