The government has for the first time confirmed that it knows the whereabouts of Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Maggie Etilu, who has been missing since her reported arrest on May 23.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja told Parliament on Tuesday that the legislator is safe and that her family has already been informed about her situation.
Nabbanja’s remarks followed concerns raised by the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who demanded clarity on the circumstances surrounding Etilu’s disappearance.
Addressing the House, Ssenyonyi questioned why Parliament and the public had remained in the dark for weeks regarding the MP’s detention.
He said the incident adds to growing fears over continued reports of enforced disappearances allegedly involving security agencies.
The opposition leader also cited other unresolved cases, including that of National Unity Platform supporter Christopher Godi, popularly known as King Zare, who reportedly disappeared after being picked up by security operatives in April.
Ssenyonyi further referenced the case of John Bosco Kibalama, saying Parliament has repeatedly sought explanations from government without receiving clear answers.
In response, Nabbanja assured legislators that Etilu would soon return to Parliament.
“The family has been informed and they know where our sister is. Very soon she will join us here,” Nabbanja told the House.
She added that the Minister of Internal Affairs is expected to present a detailed statement explaining the circumstances under which the legislator was detained.
Vice President Jessica Alupo also weighed in on the matter, saying she had personally followed up Etilu’s case with both police and security agencies. Alupo, who referred to the MP as “my daughter,” said government officials deliberately handled the matter quietly while engaging relevant authorities.
She acknowledged concerns raised by lawmakers over the increasing number of reported disappearances and proposed that the Minister for Security present a broader report to Parliament covering all pending cases.
The latest government position appears to contradict earlier statements issued by security agencies. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke previously told journalists that he had no information regarding Etilu’s whereabouts, while Special Forces Command spokesperson Maj. Dennis Omara denied allegations that the legislator was being held in SFC custody.
The denials came after Soroti City East MP Moses Attan alleged that Etilu was under detention guarded by the Special Forces Command.
Etilu’s disappearance has continued to attract public attention, with opposition leaders and human rights advocates demanding accountability and transparency from security agencies over the handling of arrests and detentions.
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