Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has criticized the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for its handling of cases involving missing NUP supporters. The UHRC released a report on October 10, stating that they had closed investigations into the cases of 18 missing NUP supporters out of a list of 30 individuals provided by the NUP secretariat. The report revealed challenges faced during the investigations, including the unavailability of National Identification Numbers (NIN) for the individuals and uncooperative behavior from the next-of-kin.
Mariam Wangadya, the UHRC chairperson, mentioned that the UHRC had contacted the listed individuals or their next of kin during the investigation. Some individuals declined to cooperate or showed a lack of interest in pursuing the cases. However, Kyagulanyi hosted families of the missing persons and expressed disappointment in Wangadya, disputing her claims of non-cooperation from the next-of-kin.
Families of the missing individuals shared their stories at a NUP press conference, describing their loved ones’ abductions and ongoing disappearances, which have extended for three to four years. They expressed their ongoing anguish and frustration over the lack of information about their missing family members. Kyagulanyi pledged to seek accountability and justice through both domestic and international avenues.
The whereabouts of several missing NUP supporters, including Moses Mbabazi, Dennis Zzimula, Shafik Wangolo, Martin Lukwago, and others, remain unknown. Family members of the missing individuals provided identification documents to the UHRC in an effort to aid the investigation.
