The crackdown extends to ordinary citizens who voice discontent or criticize key figures like military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Those seized have reported physical beatings in unmarked vehicles prior to formal detention, with some victims remaining completely unaccounted for by authorities. Meanwhile, media personnel who broadcast live coverage of sensitive political investigations also face intense scrutiny from state security.
Key points
Ugandan authorities are increasingly utilizing abductions and administrative charges to s…: Ugandan authorities are increasingly utilizing abductions and administrative charges to suppress critical commentary on social media.
State officials have denied holding abducted online critics, leaving relatives without co…: State officials have denied holding abducted online critics, leaving relatives without confirmation of their family members' current whereabouts.
Covering state operations and corruption inquiries involving high-profile politicians exp…: Covering state operations and corruption inquiries involving high-profile politicians exposes independent journalists to direct surveillance and pressure.
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Uganda’s online critics allege abductions and intimidation as families search for missing relatives.
Kampala, Uganda – Praise Aloikin Opoloje walks into the visitors’ waiting room at Luzira Women’s Prison wearing an oversized yellow-and-black striped dress and a broad smile.
Detained since September 26, 2026, she was charged with the alleged unlawful use of a SIM card registered in her mother’s name. Her case has drawn attention to the risks faced by Ugandans who use social media to criticise powerful political and military figures.
Opoloje appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 28, charged with using another person’s SIM card to carry out illegal activity.
She denied the charge under Regulation 29 of Uganda’s 2024 Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations.
Opoloje says her detention followed a video in which she declared that she was not afraid of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
A video, an arrest and an alleged threat
Opoloje says she was lured to a Kampala police station by a false accusation that she had stolen a carpet.…
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