Uganda Police have spoken out on the alleged abduction and torture of Charles Bukenya Muvawala, the Vice President of the Uganda North American Association (UNAA), who was found dumped in Buliisa District after disappearing on Wednesday, March 6th.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Monday at Naguru Police Headquarters, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that investigations into the matter were underway.
“Over the weekend, we monitored social media reports regarding the disappearance and later re-emergence of Mr. Muvawala. He was reportedly found in Buliisa on Friday, March 7th, after allegedly being abandoned by his captors,” Rusoke stated.
According to police records, Muvawala was last seen at Happy Boys Bar in Nakulabye, Kampala, on the night of his disappearance. His driver, identified as Businghe, reported the incident to Old Kampala Police Station on March 5th, after Muvawala failed to return from an ATM visit at around 1:00 AM.
“CCTV footage shows that Mr. Muvawala left the bar and met unidentified individuals before taking a motorcycle. That was the last recorded movement before his reported disappearance,” Rusoke added.
On the evening of March 7th, Muvawala’s brother informed police that he had been found in Buliisa, allegedly abandoned in a swamp, bearing signs of torture. The National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), confirmed speaking with Muvawala after his rescue.
“I’ve just spoken with our comrade Charles Muvawala. He says his captors dumped him in a swamp in Buliisa after hours of torture. He is gravely shaken by the ordeal. We must all unite against the lawlessness that has come to define our country,” Kyagulanyi stated.
Social media images circulating since his release show Muvawala appearing weak, with visible injuries. The circumstances of his abduction remain unclear, and police have called for his cooperation in the investigation.
Rusoke notes that police had attempted to follow up with Muvawala’s driver, but they were instead directed to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro for further details.
Police have urged Muvawala and other relevant parties to formally provide information to assist with investigations, amid growing public outcry from opposition leaders and human rights organizations over the increasing cases of forced disappearances in Uganda.
UPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye dismissed allegations linking the state to the abduction and called for a comprehensive investigation.
“The security forces operate within the law. We do not engage in illegal detentions or torture. If anyone has evidence of state involvement, let them present it through the proper legal channels,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye stated last week.
