Another National Unity Platform activist missing

Several people loyal to Kyadondo East MP, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, are living in fear following increased crackdowns and arrests in different parts of the country.

Plain-clothed security operatives have continuously arrested people, especially those close to Bobi Wine, for unclear reasons.   Many have been detained, tortured, and others are still missing.

The source reveals that dozens, including Eddie Mutwe, and Ssebuufu, a great friend and personal bodyguard of the MP, were arrested and are still missing.

The subsequent arrests have forced several ghetto youths and youthful activists to abandon their known residences and flee.

Notable among those missing is Patrick Mukisa Nkugwa, a political activist and speaker of Kasangati Town Council.

An active political mobilizer, Nkugwa recently crossed over to support the youthful former Kyadondo East MP, whose slogan; “People Power,” has caused a wave in the country and threatened the regime.  They wore red berets and T-shirts and demanded regime change.

According to a family member who spoke anonymously, Nkugwa, popular in the area among the youth owing to his involvement in sports, has been a target for his outspoken nature and criticism of President Museveni’s 32-year rule.

The former President of Kyadondo Eagles FC and Vice Chairperson of Wakiso District Football Association was among the activists gathered around Parliament during the controversial “TOGIKWATAKO” campaign, which advocated challenging the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2017.

As the opposition MPs fought on the floor of parliament, Nkugwa and other activists were arrested and bundled at different police stations.

Nkugwa was among the NUP diehards arrested and tortured when police dispersed a rally held by the National Unity Platform (NUP) party in Mayuge (Eastern Uganda region) on Monday, November 16.

Even after he was released, he has been closely monitored by state agents and spies.  At one moment, they stormed his home but he escaped   The family members  claim they are not aware of his presence.

Family members are too afraid to report to the police, as they fear they too will be rounded up. When we spoke to Patrick Onyango, the Deputy Police spokesperson, he admitted the police were arresting activists to place them under preventive arrest. He declined to confirm whether Patrick Mukasa Nkugwa was in their custody.

Section 23 of the Penal Code Act (PCA) states that a person commits treason when he/she unlawfully causes or attempts to cause the death of the President or maim or disfigure him/her or aims at the person of the President any gun or offensive weapon, whether it contains any explosive or destructive substance or not; (c) contrives any plot or act and expresses or declares such plot or act by any utterance or by any overt act in order, by force of arms, to overturn the government.

The same Act provides that once convicted of treason, one is liable to suffer death by hanging.