Kampala – The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has called on the government to provide clarity on the whereabouts of John Bosco Kibalama, a National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter who has been missing since 2019.
The call comes after Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye said Kibalama is alive and currently outside Uganda.
Gen Kulayigye neither adduced evidence to sanctify his claims nor indicated where outside Uganda Kibalama is.
The revelation has sparked controversy and raised questions about how Kibalama managed to leave the country without following proper procedures.
“Is John Bosco Kibalama alive and outside Uganda?” Ssenyonyi asked, reflecting the skepticism surrounding the government’s claims.
Ssenyonyi also criticized what he termed the ongoing “abductions” of opposition supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections, arguing that these actions are carried out without clear constitutional backing.
“The ongoing arrests of opposition supporters ahead of the general elections are intended to undermine the practice of democracy in the country,” he stated.
Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba, responded that the issues raised, including Maj. Gen. Kulayigye’s statement, would be addressed by the Prime Minister on Thursday.
The circumstances surrounding Kibalama’s disappearance remain murky. The UPDF maintains that he is not in government custody, but it is unclear how and why he left the country.
In February 2023, Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja told Parliament that Kibalama was being questioned by security officers in relation to an incident involving the shooting of police officers.
Opposition MPs, including Ssenyonyi and Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba, insist that the government’s explanations are inadequate.
They are demanding further clarification on Kibalama’s whereabouts and the circumstances of his departure from Uganda, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
