NRM MP Maggie Etilu Reports Freedom After Three Weeks In Detention

Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms. Maggie Etilu, has declared herself free after being held in detention for approximately three weeks. Ms. Etilu confirmed her release via a statement on her X account on Thursday evening, characterizing her confinement as “unlawful detention.”

Her announcement brought an end to days of speculation and concern regarding her whereabouts, which had galvanized support from various groups. “I thank all Ugandans, the Church, human rights activists, MPs, and my electorates for standing with me and praying during my unlawful detention since 23rd May 2026. I am now free. May God abundantly bless you all,” Etilu posted.

The legislator’s regained freedom came just a day after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Vice-President Jessica Rose Alupo assured Parliament that Ms. Etilu would be released before the end of the week. This assurance was prompted by pressure from the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who demanded explanations for Ms. Etilu’s disappearance and for other reported missing Ugandans.

The opposition has frequently voiced concerns about alleged enforced disappearances and unacknowledged detentions, calling on the government to provide transparency. Ms. Etilu, however, did not provide details on the location of her detention, the reasons behind it, or if any charges were filed against her.

Her prolonged absence had raised alarm among fellow legislators, civil society organizations, religious leaders, human rights advocates, and her constituents in Amuria. Despite widespread calls for her release or information about her status, the government had yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances of her detention and subsequent release by Thursday evening. Rumors had previously linked her disappearance to investigations into alleged illicit wealth accumulation, though no official confirmation was made.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)