Newly elected Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament Margaret “Maggie” Etilu has broken her silence following her release after more than two weeks in detention, thanking supporters, religious leaders and human rights activists who campaigned for her freedom.
Etilu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, confirmed her release in a statement posted on her official X account on Thursday evening, bringing an end to days of uncertainty and public concern over her whereabouts.
“I thank all Ugandans, the church, human rights activists, members of parliament, and my electorates for standing with me and praying during my unlawful detention. I am now free, and may God abundantly bless you all,” she wrote.
Her statement sparked relief among family members, supporters and constituents in Amuria District, many of whom had organised prayer gatherings and public appeals calling for her release.
Etilu was reportedly picked up by security operatives on May 23 from the Nakasero residence of former Speaker Anita Annet Among.
Although authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons for her detention, sources have linked the arrest to ongoing security investigations involving some of Among’s political associates.
The legislator’s detention became a subject of heated debate in Parliament after opposition lawmakers demanded answers from the government regarding her whereabouts and the legality of her detention.
During a plenary sitting on June 10 chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi questioned why the newly sworn-in legislator had allegedly been held beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit without being produced before a court of law.
Ssenyonyi also pressed the government to account for other individuals reported missing under unclear circumstances, including National Unity Platform (NUP) mobiliser Christopher Godi, commonly known as King Zale, who opposition leaders say was abducted by military personnel in April.
Responding to concerns raised on the floor of Parliament, Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo assured legislators that Etilu was safe and would be released before the end of the week.
Alupo, who referred to Etilu as “my daughter,” said efforts were underway to resolve the matter and appealed for patience as security agencies handled the case.
Several lawmakers drew parallels between Etilu’s case and other recent incidents involving politicians and government critics, arguing that the trend raises concerns about due process and constitutional safeguards.
The government has rejected allegations of unlawful detentions, maintaining that security agencies operate within the law while investigating matters of national security.
Following pressure from legislators, Alupo told Parliament that the Minister for Security was expected to present a comprehensive statement next week addressing concerns surrounding missing persons and ongoing investigations.
Etilu recently entered Parliament after winning the Amuria District Woman MP seat, replacing three-term legislator Susan Amero.