Mother of opposition activist faces intimidation after armed men raid her home
The incident, which Opino believes involved state security operatives, left the elderly woman emotionally distressed, visibly shaken, and fearful.
On the morning of June 15, 2026, the family of opposition activist Eunice Achieng awoke to a frightening ordeal after unknown armed men allegedly stormed her mother’s home in Mbale District, demanding to know her whereabouts.
The men, who witnesses said appeared to be police and military personnel, reportedly searched the property while repeatedly asking where Achieng was hiding. Their unexpected arrival left the family distressed and heightened fears over the activist’s safety.
Achieng’s mother, Margaret Opino, said the armed men ransacked her home searching for her daughter. She alleged that the men did not present a court order or search warrant, rendering the operation unlawful.
According to Opino, the men questioned her about Achieng’s whereabouts. She said she ordered them to leave her compound because they were uninvited guests.
“I asked them to leave my compound because Eunice wasn’t around. I told them she was somewhere safe where they could not find her,” Opino said.
After leaving her home, the armed men reportedly proceeded to Opino’s shop, where they continued searching for Achieng. Opino said they ransacked the premises, turning the shop upside down and destroying property in the process.
The incident, which Opino believes involved state security operatives, left the elderly woman emotionally distressed, visibly shaken, and fearful.
“Our mother was terrified after the men came looking for Eunice. We are deeply worried,” said a family member who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals from security operatives allegedly searching for Achieng.
The alleged raid on Opino’s home and business comes amid continued concerns raised by opposition groups and human rights organizations over arrests and alleged enforced disappearances of government critics and opposition supporters, particularly members of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Achieng has been a member of the opposition party since August 2020, during which she has served as a key mobilizer and coordinator of party activities in Najjera, Kira Municipality, and across Wakiso District.
She has consistently spoken out against corruption, advocated for constitutionalism, respect for human rights, democratic reforms, and greater civic and political freedoms in Uganda.
By the time of publication, security agencies had not commented specifically on the allegations surrounding the raid or Achieng’s reported disappearance.
In the recent past, they have consistently maintained that their operations are conducted in accordance with the law and have denied allegations of unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances.
