Concerns are mounting over the whereabouts of Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Maggie Etilu, who is reportedly missing following claims that she was picked up by security operatives in Kampala.
According to information circulating among political circles and local sources, Etilu is said to have been taken on 23 May shortly after visiting the residence of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among in the capital. However, the circumstances surrounding her alleged disappearance remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued by security agencies.
Her reported disappearance has triggered concern among fellow legislators, relatives, and constituents, with growing calls for authorities to clarify her status and whereabouts.
A legislator from the Teso sub-region, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that colleagues had attempted to trace Etilu through different official channels without success, including engagements with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.
“We have tried engaging different authorities, including interfacing with the Speaker of Parliament, to help establish her whereabouts, but nothing concrete has come out,” the lawmaker said.
Another Member of Parliament suggested that Etilu’s close association with the former Speaker may have drawn attention from security agencies, though this remains speculative and unconfirmed.
Family members have also expressed distress over the reports. Her mother, Margaret Etilu, said she only learned about the alleged disappearance later, adding that the family had initially been shielded from the information due to health concerns.
“I only got to know my daughter was missing today. Everyone has been fearing to tell me because of my health condition,” she said, expressing hope for her daughter’s safety.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Uganda Police Force were unsuccessful, with spokespersons reportedly not responding to repeated calls.
Etilu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), entered Parliament after succeeding former Amuria Woman MP Susan Amero. She has recently been absent from several high-profile parliamentary and political events, including caucus meetings and parliamentary sittings.
The reports come amid heightened political tension surrounding investigations involving former Speaker Anita Among and individuals linked to her network, though no official connection to Etilu’s reported disappearance has been established.
Uganda has in recent years recorded several controversial cases involving alleged detentions by security operatives, but each case has varied in circumstances and official acknowledgment.
As of now, Etilu’s whereabouts remain unconfirmed, and authorities have not issued any formal statement regarding the matter.
