Fear and uncertainty have gripped supporters of Uganda’s main opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party in Luuka District following the alleged abduction of their candidate, Salim Isabirye, who is contesting for LC3 chairperson of Bukanga Sub-county.
Family members and party supporters say Isabirye was allegedly abducted last Thursday under unclear circumstances while returning from a political meeting.
His whereabouts remain unknown, raising tension among supporters and residents just days before the LC3 elections scheduled for Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Abusaali Alamanzani, a brother of the missing candidate, narrated the incident with visible emotion.
He said Salim was travelling on a motorcycle shortly after leaving a meeting when a pickup truck intercepted them.
‘My brother was returning from a meeting when a pickup truck blocked the motorcycle he was riding,’ he said on Monday, adding:
‘He was arrested and forcefully thrown into the vehicle. They first drove in the direction of Bukanga Police Station, but later diverted towards Iganga. Since that time, we do not know his whereabouts or the motive behind his arrest.’
Another NUP supporter, Mr Alex Odele, who attended the same meeting, said the abduction occurred shortly after participants dispersed.
‘We were together in a meeting, and shortly after dispersing, that is when our brother was taken. Since then, we have tried consulting the police, the army, and even checked different police stations and detention centres, but all efforts have been in vain,’ Mr Odele said.
Residents of Bukanga Sub-county say the incident has left the community in shock. Mr Kagoolo Martine, a neighbour to the family, described Isabirye as a disciplined and trustworthy young man, saying the manner in which he was taken has traumatized both the family and the neighbourhood.
‘Salim is a university student and a disciplined person. The way he was arrested and taken has left the family and neighbours in total shock. We have never seen anything like this before,’ Mr Kagoolo said.
With the LC3 elections approaching, concerns are growing over how Isabirye’s disappearance could affect the electoral process. As of now, government authorities have not issued any official statement explaining his arrest or confirming whether he is in lawful custody.
Salim’s mother, Ms Fatina Tibiita, told Monitor she is living in fear and anguish following her son’s disappearance. Fighting back tears, she appealed to government authorities to clarify his situation.
‘My son is missing, and we have not heard anything about him. I appeal to the government to come out clearly and tell us what is happening to my son,’ she said.
Despite the tense situation, NUP supporters say campaign activities are continuing, though fear and anxiety dominate the ground.
‘We hope our candidate will be found safe. But if that does not happen, we wait to know whether he will be found dead or alive,’ Mr Odeke emphasized.
Meanwhile, Mr Samson Lubega, the Public Relations Officer for Busoga North Police, said security agencies are aware of the matter.
‘We have information regarding the disappearance of Salim Isabirye, and investigations are ongoing,’ Mr Lubega said, without giving further details.
From January 15 to February 4, Ugandans voted for the president, Members of Parliament, LC5 and LC4 officials, with the electoral process set to conclude with LC3 elections on Wednesday.