The Office of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP) has taken a significant step in seeking justice for 18 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who were reportedly abducted by security personnel before, during, and after the 2021 general elections. Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, announced the initiation of a parallel investigation, aiming to locate and unveil the truth behind the disappearances.
The LOP’s investigative team has begun visiting each of the 18 families whose loved ones vanished in the last four years, compiling detailed accounts of the events surrounding their disappearance. This proactive move follows the release of a report by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in October, which revealed that out of 30 missing persons reported, only 12 were located, leaving the fate of the other 18 unknown and resulting in the closure of their files.
A recent visit by the LOP’s team to the family of John Ddamulira in Mukono District, who reportedly went missing in November 2020 after being abducted by armed men, underscores the urgency of this investigation. A family source, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, expressed shock at the UHRC report declaring the 18 missing persons as non-existent.
In a troubling incident, local leaders faced obstacles when attempting to report a missing person case at Mbalala Police Station, where officers intentionally hindered their complaint. Undeterred, they sought assistance at Mukono Central Police Station.
Mpuuga emphasized the commitment of his team to diligently reach out to the families and close relatives of all 18 missing persons. The findings will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive report series titled “The Missing 18,” shedding light on the circumstances surrounding these disappearances and advocating for justice on behalf of the affected families.
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