There has been growing pressure on Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youths and Children Affairs, to uphold his commitment of bringing back 18 abducted members of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The public is questioning whether he can fulfill this promise, particularly given the past failures of other government officials, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
Upon assuming office, Balaam had made a pledge to locate and return the missing NUP supporters. However, doubts linger, particularly among the families of the abducted individuals, regarding his ability to succeed where his predecessors have stumbled.
Previously, Prime Minister Nabbanja faced criticism for her inability to secure the return of the abducted individuals, despite initial government claims suggesting their custody. Such failures cast a shadow of uncertainty over Balaam’s current efforts.
Many are speculating on whether Minister Balaam possesses the capacity to break the cycle of unfulfilled promises and provide closure to the families affected by the abduction of NUP supporters.
The upcoming court session scheduled for April 24 adds urgency to the situation, serving as a pivotal deadline for concrete action on this pressing matter.
Clash between NUP and Government Deepens Over Missing Persons
The National Unity Platform (NUP) is locked in a fierce dispute with the Ugandan government. Alleging the abduction of 18 of its members, the party has initiated legal action by filing a lawsuit at the High Court in Kampala, demanding the return of the missing individuals.
However, the government, represented by the Attorney General, vehemently denies these accusations. They have presented four sworn statements (affidavits) asserting their lack of knowledge regarding the whereabouts of the missing persons. This stance contradicts earlier statements made by some government officials, leading to a state of perplexity.
George Musisi, the legal representative for the families of the missing individuals, points out these inconsistencies. He underscores how a government minister previously disclosed a list containing the names of some missing persons during a session in Parliament. Additionally, a police spokesperson acknowledged the detention of a specific individual, John Bosco Kibalama, whom the government now claims ignorance of.
“In 2021, the then Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Jeje Odongo displayed a list of some of the missing persons on the floor of parliament. As if that’s not enough, the Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson Patrick Onyango also once admitted police having Ddamulira in custody,” stated lawyer George Musisi.
The situation has escalated further as the Attorney General is mandated to provide additional evidence supporting their refutations by April 24th, 2023.
