The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has raised alarm over the reported activist Andrew Natumanya, popularly known online as ‘Ninye Tabz.’
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said Natumanya was allegedly seized by unidentified operatives in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb, on Tuesday evening June 16,2026 and bundled into a “drone” vehicle.
“We’ve just been informed of the abduction of @NinyeTabz from Kamwokya a short while ago. He has been whisked away in a drone. The lawlessness continues!” Rubongoya posted on X.
His reported disappearance comes amid heightened political tensions following the arrest and detention of opposition lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Shortly before reports of his alleged abduction emerged, Natumanya had posted on X claiming that Lukwago was due to be released on police bond after intervention by what he referred to as “the uncle that stays in Gulu” — a phrase widely used by government critics in reference to President Yoweri Museveni.
“After the intervention of the uncle that stays in Gulu, the former Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago is about to be driven to Central Police Station in Kampala and will subsequently be released on Police bond without charge!” Natumanya wrote.
In response, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said he was under no pressure to release Lukwago.
By Wednesday evening, neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had issued a statement confirming Natumanya’s arrest or disclosing his whereabouts.
The incident is likely to reignite debate over alleged enforced disappearances and the use of unmarked security vehicles in arrests, a practice that opposition politicians and human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised.
As of press time, Natumanya’s whereabouts remained unknown, and efforts to obtain comment from security agencies were ongoing.
