FDC accuses UPDF of kidnapping party activist

By Jeff Andrew Lule

THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for allegedly kidnapping their party activist Sam Mugumya.

The party secretary general, Alice Alaso said UPDF should produce Mugumya in Court to defend himself.

“If they have evidence, why can’t they produce him?  They should stop playing games. We want UPDF to produce Mugumya in Court or release him. It is unconstitutional to detain a person beyond 48 hours,” he said.

She wondered why government has done nothing to bring Mugumya back home, if they know where he is being detained.

She was addressing the party’s weekly press briefing, at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday.

Mugumya was reportedly arrested in Beni region in the Democratic Republic of Congo together with four other Ugandans from Rukungiri district by the Congolese army a week ago.

It is alleged that Mugumya was detained after he was found with dollars and documents with information that he was going to organize the People’s Redemption Army (PRA) remnants to overthrow the Government of Uganda.

Alaso said they have already asked the party’s legal team to pursue the matter to make sure he (Mugumya) appears before court.

“If they don’t produce him, we shall have no option but to drag them to court. We are not even sure if he is still alive. Let them come out and explain to the public why he was arrested,” she said.

The acting party deputy spokesperson, Francis Mwijukye said they were surprised that Mugumya was arrested by the Congolese army.

“As far as I know, Mugumya was in Uganda and has never been involved in such acts. We know him as a strong activist and senior party member. 

Army spokesperson, Paddy Ankunda said Mugumya will be extradited this week.