Uganda VP Assures Parliament of Detained MP's Imminent Release Amid Disappearance Concerns

Vice President Jessica Alupo has assured the Ugandan Parliament that Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Margaret Etilu, who has been in detention since May 23, will be released by the end of the week. The assurance came during a heated plenary session where the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, demanded answers about Ms. Etilu’s whereabouts and the status of other citizens who have reportedly disappeared under unclear circumstances.

Ms. Alupo stated that Ms. Etilu is safe and in the custody of law enforcement, confirming that “discrete diplomatic efforts” have been underway to resolve the issue privately. She indicated that the legislator had met with her family and is in good health, expressing confidence that she would soon rejoin her parliamentary duties. The Vice President acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that Ms. Etilu’s detention affects all members of Parliament.

Ms. Etilu’s prolonged detention without being produced in court has raised significant constitutional questions, as Uganda’s laws mandate that arrested individuals be brought before a court within 48 hours. Her disappearance shortly after leaving the residence of former Speaker Anita Annet Among has also been linked to ongoing security investigations involving political associates.

The debate in Parliament extended to the broader issue of enforced disappearances, with concerns raised about other missing individuals, including NUP mobiliser Christopher Godi. The opposition highlighted a pattern of opaque detentions, citing past cases such as John Bosco Kibalama and Sam Mugumya, as well as recent instances involving other MPs and religious figures.

In response to the persistent concerns, the Vice President requested time for a comprehensive report from security agencies. The Minister for Security is expected to provide a definitive statement next week addressing the specific cases mentioned. Political analysts view the handling of Ms. Etilu’s detention and the broader issue of disappearances as a critical test for the 12th Parliament’s independence and its ability to hold security organs accountable.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)