KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has renewed calls for the release of political activist Andrew Natumanya, popularly known as “Tabz” or “Ninye Tabz,” who remains missing days after he was reportedly abducted in Kampala.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, said the activist had been missing for three days since his alleged abduction near the party’s former headquarters in Kamwokya on June 17.
“Three days since his abduction near NUP’s former headquarters in Kamwokya on 17th June, comrade Andrew Natumanya ‘Tabz’ remains missing. Our teams are doing everything possible to locate him but no positive results so far. We continue to demand his immediate release, and remain committed to ending this impunity once and for all,” Kyagulanyi posted on X.
Natumanya, a photojournalist, activist and longtime NUP supporter, was reportedly seized by unidentified armed men in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb widely regarded as an opposition stronghold. According to NUP officials, he was allegedly forced into a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to in Uganda as a “drone,” before being driven away to an unknown destination.
The reported incident has sparked concern among opposition leaders and human rights advocates, who say the disappearance follows a pattern of alleged enforced disappearances and arrests targeting government critics and opposition supporters.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned the incident shortly after it occurred, describing it as part of a continuing trend of lawlessness and politically motivated abductions. Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi also expressed concern and called for Natumanya’s whereabouts to be disclosed.
The disappearance comes amid heightened political tensions in the country and follows recent reports of arrests and detentions involving opposition figures. Opposition leaders argue that such incidents undermine constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
As of Saturday, security agencies had not publicly announced Natumanya’s arrest or disclosed any information regarding his whereabouts. Family members, friends and party officials say they continue to search for answers while calling on authorities to either produce him before a court of law or facilitate his immediate release if he is in state custody.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged security agencies to ensure that all arrests and detentions are conducted in accordance with the law and that detainees are granted access to legal representation and family members.
NUP officials say they will continue pressing for information on Natumanya’s whereabouts while maintaining calls for accountability over alleged abductions and enforced disappearances.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, and no official statement from security authorities had been issued by the time of publication.