(Kampala) – Juma Musuuza, popularly known as Madhubala, was reportedly abducted two months ago from Kisaasi, Kampala, while selling shoes, a routine part of his daily work. He was later held incommunicado at a security facility in Mbuya, where he claims he endured two weeks of torture. According to his account, Musuuza faced harsh interrogation over content shared on his social media, with his abductors labeling his posts as “anti-regime.” Allegedly, they pressured him to work in favor of the current administration, asking him to shift his online influence toward promoting the government.
After his initial detention, Musuuza was presented in court and subsequently remanded to Kigo Prison on charges of cyber harassment, specifically related to his outspoken social media posts. Since his incarceration, human rights advocates and political representatives have visited him, striving to secure his release from what they describe as an unjust detention.
National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine expressed deep concern over Musuuza’s situation, condemning the government’s alleged misuse of state institutions. He described this incident as part of a larger trend of impunity, urging citizens not to normalize such treatment.
Here’s a summary of Musuuza’s situation as reported:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Abduction | Two months ago |
| Place of Abduction | Kisaasi, Kampala |
| Detention Location | Security facility in Mbuya (formerly CMI, now DSI) |
| Alleged Torture Duration | Two weeks |
| Charges | Cyber harassment |
| Current Detention Facility | Kigo Prison |
| Political Reaction | Condemnation from NUP, calls to resist government actions |
