POLICE | LUMBUYE | ENANGA 

KAMPALA - The Police have said they are still pursuing the Turkish-based blogger and government critic, Fred Lumbuye.

Lumbuye was released from administrative detention on October 18 by the Turkish authorities, according to his National Unity Platform (NUP) party led by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

“Our position has never changed. When he comes back we shall summon him,” Police spokesperson Fred Enanga told New Vision on Tuesday.

Enanga said in August that 15 case files were opened against Lumbuye who has just told his Ugandan lawyers that he is strong and fine.

“Once Lumbuye is handed over to Uganda police, we shall process him along with his 15 case files that were opened against him,” Enanga said then as the debate on his whereabouts raged on.

Kyadondo East MP on NUP ticket Muwada Nkunyingi shared Lumbuye’s picture on Facebook showing he was unshaven and looked composed.

The MP, who is also the shadow minister for foreign affairs, said on Tuesday that he had personally spoken to Lumbuye.

“He sounded strong and fine. He is thankful to all Ugandans globally,” he said in a statement.

“Essentially Lumbuye is now out of prison,” the lawmaker noted.

Nkunyingi said their lawyers briefed them that in spite of his release, the non-concluded cases will remain ongoing and the legal team in Turkey remained committed as it has been to logically conclude all such legal details.

Kyagulanyi also said on social media that he was very glad Lumbuye had regained his freedom.

“I am very glad that after several months in detention, political activist Lumbuye was yesterday (October 18) released from jail in Turkey. I am very grateful to the legal team, our diaspora leadership and all Ugandans who did everything to see that he gets his freedom,” he posted.

The Ambassador of Turkey to Uganda, Kerem Alp, told New Vision early last month that Lumbuye had been offered protection by the Turkish Immigration Agency at an immigration centre because his immigration status had expired with no running Turkish visa.

Alp also confirmed that Uganda, Turkey and Interpol had held talks over Lumbuye and a related possibility of repatriation, but he could not divulge details on what the three parties had agreed on.