Uganda Abduction Sparks Outrage: Opposition Leader Condemns "Rising Abuse of Power"
In a shocking turn of events, Ugandan Member of Parliament Barnabas Tinkasiimire has been allegedly abducted by unidentified armed men, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and human rights groups. Robert Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and popularly known as Bobi Wine, has denounced the incident as a stark example of the growing abuse of power in Uganda.
According to Kyagulanyi, Tinkasiimire was violently taken by over ten armed men in a "drone" van from a petrol station in Makerere on Sunday evening. The MP’s family and legal team have been unable to locate him, and they fear he is being held incommunicado under harsh conditions. Despite being a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Tinkasiimire has been an outspoken critic of President Museveni’s government, particularly in recent months.
Kyagulanyi noted that Tinkasiimire’s criticism of Museveni’s efforts to impose his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as his successor may have led to his abduction. The NUP president urged all Ugandans to demand Tinkasiimire’s immediate release and recognize the dangers of state-sponsored repression, regardless of political affiliation. "This must serve as a wake-up call," Kyagulanyi warned, referencing the recent UPDF Amendment Bill that has been criticized for enabling state repression.
The incident has intensified calls for accountability, rule of law, and an end to arbitrary detentions in Uganda, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 general elections. Human rights groups and opposition leaders have raised alarm over the increasing number of politically motivated abductions and disappearances of activists, dissenters, and even government-leaning legislators.
As the Uganda Police and security agencies remain silent on the matter, the international community is watching with growing concern. The abduction of Tinkasiimire serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in Uganda. As Kyagulanyi emphasized, "Today, one of their own has fallen victim" – a chilling warning that no one is immune to the dangers of state-sponsored repression.
