Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has strongly criticized the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for their handling of cases involving Missing Nup Supporters.
In response to the UHRC’s release of a report on October 10, where Mariam Wangadya, the UHRC chairperson, announced the closure of investigations into 18 Missing Nup Supporters out of a list of 30 provided by the NUP secretariat, Kyagulanyi voiced his dissatisfaction. Wangadya explained that the UHRC couldn’t locate 18 of the 30 missing individuals due to a lack of National Identification Numbers (NIN) provided by the NUP. She also cited uncooperative behavior from the missing persons’ next-of-kin as a challenge.
Wangadya stated that they had contacted the listed individuals or their next of kin during their investigations. However, only four out of the 12 individuals were willing to have their cases further investigated, while the majority declined to provide statements to the commission.
Kyagulanyi responded on October 12 by hosting families of the missing persons and called for an end to the ‘mockery’ of those seeking justice. He expressed disappointment in Wangadya, describing her as unfit for her position and pledged to pursue accountability and justice through domestic and international avenues.
The missing NUP supporters whose whereabouts are still unknown include Moses Mbabazi aka Kawenja, Dennis Zzimula, Shafik Wangolo, Martin Lukwago, Peter Kirya, John Ddamulira, Michael Semuddu, and Muhammad Kanatta, among others.
During the NUP press conference, family members of the missing individuals shared their loved ones’ stories, revealing that they have been missing for three to four years. They expressed their frustration and disappointment over the lack of progress in locating their family members.
Kyagulanyi’s critique of the UHRC and the families’ emotional testimonies have brought attention to the ongoing issue of missing NUP supporters, prompting UHRC to welcome the families’ interaction. They expressed a commitment to work together to promote human rights and civic responsibilities in society.
