The High Court today heard a habeas corpus application seeking the production of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President Lina Zedriga Waru Abuku, as the state denied holding her in any official detention facility.
According to a statement shared on social media by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, the state filed an affidavit in court claiming that Zedriga is not in the custody of any recognized security or detention center, despite reports that she was picked up by security operatives on January 15.
Rubongoya said the denial raises serious concerns about the rule of law and the conduct of security agencies, noting that Zedriga’s whereabouts remain unknown since her reported arrest.
“We are at the High Court for the habeas corpus hearing for our Deputy President, Lina Zedriga Waru Abuku. The state claims they do not have her, despite her being picked up by security operatives,” Rubongoya stated.
Habeas corpus applications are filed to compel authorities to present a detained person before court and justify the legality of their detention. Legal experts say such proceedings are critical safeguards against unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances.
Rubongoya further described the developments as a troubling example of abuse of power, arguing that the current period in Uganda’s governance would be subjected to scrutiny for years to come.
“The abuse of power in this period in Uganda will be studied for a very long time,” he added.
By press time, security agencies had not publicly explained Zedriga’s whereabouts or responded to claims that she was apprehended by their operatives. The court is expected to issue further directions regarding the application as proceedings continue.
Lina Zedriga Waru Abuku is a senior figure within the opposition NUP party, and her reported disappearance has sparked concern among party members, human rights advocates, and sections of the public.
