Amuria MP Maggie Etilu Reported Missing After Visiting Ex-Speaker Anita Among

The whereabouts of Amuria District Woman MP, Maggie Etilu, remain unknown days after she was reportedly taken by security operatives in Kampala. The female legislator was allegedly picked up on May 23rd as she was leaving a residence belonging to former Speaker Annet Anita Among. The unexplained disappearance of the NRM MP has caused widespread worry among fellow MPs, her family, and constituents in Amuria.

A legislator from the Teso sub-region, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Etilu had visited Among amidst reports of security operations at the former speaker’s homes. Efforts by parliamentary colleagues to ascertain Etilu’s location have so far been unsuccessful, despite attempts to engage parliamentary leadership and other authorities.

Close associates suggest Etilu’s proximity to Anita Among might be the reason for her apprehension, as she has been known to occasionally stay at the former speaker’s residence and maintained a close relationship with her. Etilu’s mother, Margaret Etilu, only recently learned of her daughter’s situation, as family members had deliberately withheld the news due to concerns about her mother’s health.

Etilu’s absence has been noted in recent key parliamentary and party activities. She missed the NRM parliamentary caucus meeting where candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker were endorsed, as well as the first sitting of the 12th Parliament and subsequent orientation sessions. This reported disappearance occurs amidst heightened political tensions and intensified scrutiny surrounding investigations involving Anita Among and her associates. Uganda has seen similar instances in recent years where politicians, activists, and religious leaders have been allegedly detained by security operatives and held incommunicado before their detentions are later acknowledged.