Family members and friends are searching for Geoffrey Bwambale, a supporter of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Rwenzori Sub-region, who has gone missing after reportedly being abducted by unknown individuals on Sunday.
According to one of Bwambale’s colleagues who wished to remain anonymous, on the fateful day, a group of men, some dressed in army uniforms and others in plain clothes, arrived at a hospital (whose name has been withheld) in Kasenge, Wakiso District, where Bwambale worked. They then took him away in a silver Toyota Hiace, commonly referred to as a “drone.”
“On Sunday, at midday, seven armed men, three wearing UPDF uniforms and others in plain clothes, came to our hospital,” stated the colleague.
The abductors allegedly informed that Mr. Bwambale was required for questioning at the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Kireka.
“The men in plain clothes surrounded him before dragging him into the vehicle where the others in UPDF uniforms were waiting,” added the colleague.
News of Bwambale’s purported abduction spread on social media platforms on Sunday evening, prompting NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, to express concern.
Bwambale’s brother, Wycliffe Masereka, reported that they have not received any information regarding his whereabouts. Authorities at SIU Kireka have also denied his detention.
“We sent some colleagues to SIU in Kireka to trace him, but we are yet to receive any feedback,” said Mr. Masereka.
“We do not understand why he was arrested because he has not been involved in active politics since 2021 when he was arrested for two months on charges of treason, before being released by the court,” he added.
Masereka appealed to all relevant authorities, including the police and UPDF, to ensure that his brother receives timely justice.
“I am certain Geoffrey [Bwambale] committed no offense; he is simply a nurse and an ordinary Ugandan. He deserves justice because he was taking care of our critically ill parents,” he emphasized.
Local sources have also learned that Bwambale’s six-year-old daughter, whom he lived with, is currently without a caretaker.
When contacted, UPDF spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye stated that he could not confirm whether or not Mr. Bwambale was in the custody of the army.
“I don’t have any information about the said incident, but I will provide updates if such information becomes available,” he said over the telephone.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga did not respond to repeated messages and phone calls.