The State Minister for Youth, Balaam Barugahara, has urged security agencies to conduct a forensic investigation into the reported kidnapping of Charles Bukenya, also known as Muvawala. Muvawala, who serves as the Vice President of the Uganda National Non-Governmental Organisations Association (UNNA) and is a known National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilizer, claims he was abducted and later dumped in a swamp in Buliisa District after being tortured.
The alleged abduction, which surfaced on Wednesday, sparked widespread speculation, with many suspecting the involvement of security personnel. However, the Ministry of Defence and military spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye, dismissed the allegations, labeling them baseless and lacking concrete proof.
Reacting to the situation, Minister Balaam took to his social media platform X, calling for a thorough inquiry to establish the facts. He emphasized that such incidents, if proven true, could severely damage the government’s credibility and erode public trust.
“These claims are alarming and require urgent scrutiny. If such acts are taking place, they must be condemned in the strongest terms, and those responsible should be held accountable. Our country’s image and the confidence of our citizens must be protected,” Balaam stated.
He further stressed the importance of forensic analysis to verify the authenticity of the claims, warning against any form of deception that could mislead the public. Balaam cautioned against self-orchestrated kidnappings, saying such incidents could be exploited for personal or political gains, ultimately harming the nation’s stability.
Meanwhile, National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, confirmed Muvawala’s return through a statement on his X account. Kyagulanyi stated that Muvawala had been left deeply shaken by the experience and described the physical and psychological trauma he endured at the hands of his alleged captors.
Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and to stand against acts of lawlessness that threaten national security. He reiterated the need for justice and accountability, demanding that authorities take the matter seriously.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked a heated debate, with both government officials and opposition figures calling for a transparent probe into the circumstances surrounding Muvawala’s ordeal.