Politics 17 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NUP Denounces "Drone" Abductions After Activist Ninye Tabz Seized
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned a resurgence of alleged state-sponsored abductions following the seizure of activist and photojournalist Andrew Natumanya, known as Ninye Tabz, in Kampala. The incident, carried out by operatives in a "drone" vehicle, echoes recent detentions of opposition figures. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-condemns-fresh-wave-of-drone-abductions-as-ninye-tabz-is-seized-in-kamwokya-5500012
The political opposition in Uganda, led by the National Unity Platform (NUP), has voiced strong condemnation over a new spate of alleged state-sponsored abductions. The latest incident involved the reported daytime seizure of Andrew Natumanya, widely known as Ninye Tabz, a prominent photojournalist and anti-corruption activist, from the Kamwokya area of Kampala.
According to NUP officials, Natumanya was forcibly apprehended by armed individuals operating in a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a “drone.” This type of vehicle has become synonymous with extrajudicial arrests conducted by plainclothes security agencies in Uganda.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya took to social media platform X on June 17, 2026, to denounce the incident. “We’ve just been informed of the abduction of Ninye Tabz from Kamwokya a short while ago. He has been whisked away in a drone. The lawlessness continues!” Rubongoya stated, highlighting ongoing concerns about the rule of law.
Echoing these sentiments, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, also used X to express his dismay. “The senseless abductions continue, Tabz @NinyeTabz has been taken by a drone from Kamwokya!!” Ssenyonyi posted. This event occurs amidst mounting criticism, both domestically and internationally, regarding the government’s handling of opposition members.
This abduction follows closely on the heels of another significant detention. Just two days prior, on June 15, Erias Lukwago, a notable lawyer and president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was reportedly seized by elite operatives from the Special Forces Command (SFC). Lukwago was allegedly intercepted at his home in Wakaliga while preparing to deliver court documents related to a treason case against Dr. Kizza Besigye.
While Lukwago was eventually released and later arraigned in court, facing charges of misprision of treason, the swift abduction of Ninye Tabz suggests no let-up in these security operations. Opposition leaders are warning that these recurring, purportedly unconstitutional disappearances pose a severe threat to Uganda’s legal frameworks and political freedoms as the country approaches future electoral cycles.
This incident was reported by the Daily Monitor.