Lawyer Kakuru Tumusiime was arrested on Monday amid a heavy security deployment in Magere as a delegation led by John Baptist Nambeshe, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Eastern Uganda, visited the home of party president Robert Kyagulanyi.
According to members of the delegation, security personnel ordered the lawyers who had accompanied the team to step out of their vans shortly after arriving in the area.
Witnesses described a tense situation, with a visible and significant presence of security forces around the premises.
During the operation, Tumusiime was taken into custody.
Fellow lawyer and team member Muwada Nkunyingi said efforts to seek clarification on the arrest had yielded little information.
“Kakuru called the Inspector General of Police, but he wasn’t clear on how to help us or advise on what next,” Muwada said.
The team has since condemned the arrest, questioning the circumstances under which Tumusiime was detained and calling on authorities to adhere to legal procedures.
“It’s sad that Kakuru is detained and they don’t tell us why or where he will be taken,” Muwada added.
By press time, police had not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for the arrest or indicating where Tumusiime was being held.
The incident adds to growing concerns from opposition leaders regarding security operations targeting party officials and supporters.
Authorities are yet to comment publicly on the matter.
