news 27 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Law Society Demands Urgent Release of Activist Opoloje Amid Disappearance Fears
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is demanding the immediate release of human rights activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje, who has gone missing after being summoned to Namungoona Police Station. Her whereabouts remain unknown after she was allegedly taken by unidentified armed personnel. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/law-society-demands-immediate-release-of-activist-opoloje-5611454
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strong call for the immediate release of human rights activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje. Opoloje was reportedly taken from Namungoona Police Station in Wakiso District by armed security personnel on Saturday, September 26, after being summoned there.
Sources from lawyers and civil society groups indicate that Opoloje was escorted away by individuals who did not identify themselves or disclose her destination. As of Sunday, neither the police nor defense authorities had officially confirmed her detention or legal status.
ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde voiced grave concerns over what he described as a disturbing pattern of enforced disappearances. He highlighted that armed operatives, often associated with military units, have a history of abducting opposition figures and activists, holding them incommunicado without acknowledging their whereabouts.
Ssemakadde emphasized that the alleged disappearance of Opoloje warrants a thorough investigation, with those responsible held accountable. He referenced the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, noting that enforced disappearance is recognized as a crime against humanity.
The ULS president also criticized state institutions, including the police, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the courts, for what he termed a failure to adequately address reports of abductions and prolonged detentions without legal access.
In response, the Law Society plans to engage in strategic litigation and human rights enforcement actions, both domestically and internationally. They are also enhancing their rapid response mechanisms to safeguard advocates and seek remedies through regional and international legal bodies.
Ssemakadde appealed to civil society organizations, the international legal community, diplomatic missions, and human rights groups to support efforts aimed at securing Opoloje’s release. The situation has also drawn concern from other legal professionals and activists who are demanding answers regarding her whereabouts.