Police are actively investigating the perplexing circumstances surrounding the reported kidnapping and subsequent release of Charles Bukenya, also known as Muvawala, the vice president of the Uganda North America Association (UNAA). Bukenya, a journalist and vocal supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP), vanished last week, only to reappear in Buliisa with apparent signs of torture.
The incident was initially reported to Old Kampala Police Station by Bukenya’s driver, Businge, after he became alarmed by his employer’s disappearance. Businge recounted that he and Bukenya were at Happy Boys bar in Nakulabye until approximately 1 a.m., when Bukenya left to visit an ATM. When calls to Bukenya went unanswered, Businge reported him missing.
“The CCTV footage we have come across shows at one point Muvawala leaves the bar, meets some people we haven’t yet identified, has a short conversation, and then took a motorcycle. That was the last time police monitored his movements,” explained Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke.
On the evening of March 7th, Bukenya’s brother informed police that he had been released by his captors. However, subsequent attempts by police to gather further information have been met with resistance. “When we wanted to engage Businge, he said that he had gotten advice that anything regarding the kidnap, anyone who wants the details should speak to NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya and deputy spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro. We don’t know why they have not shown signs of cooperation,” Rusoke stated.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi confirmed Bukenya’s release via his X platform, revealing that the victim was “severely traumatized” and had been “tortured” by his abductors. Kyagulanyi, who spoke with Bukenya, reported that he had been abducted early Wednesday morning and dumped in a swamp in Buliisa District.
The incident has ignited widespread condemnation, with allegations that state agents were involved due to Bukenya’s political affiliations. However, police maintain that the situation remains unclear. “It would be a total misrepresentation for me to say Muvawala kidnapped himself. There is no conclusive evidence to point to what exactly happened,” Rusoke emphasized. “I cannot accuse him of something he didn’t do, and the police cannot be accused of something they didn’t do, but let him help us in these investigations.”
Police are urging Bukenya and his associates to cooperate fully with the investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his abduction and release.