Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament Maggie Etilu has confirmed that she has regained her freedom after spending close to three weeks in detention, bringing an end to growing public concern over her whereabouts.
The legislator announced her release on Thursday evening through a message shared on her social media platform X, expressing gratitude to the many individuals and groups who had advocated for her during the period she was held.
Etilu said she was thankful to Ugandans, religious leaders, human rights defenders, fellow Members of Parliament, and residents of Amuria District for their support, prayers, and solidarity throughout what she described as an unlawful detention that began on May 23, 2026.
Her statement came shortly after senior government officials had indicated that efforts were underway to secure her release. While addressing Parliament earlier this week, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo assured lawmakers that the MP would be released before the end of the week.
The issue had been raised on the floor of Parliament by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who pressed government to account for Etilu’s whereabouts and explain reports of other individuals allegedly being held under unclear circumstances.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly voiced concern over what they describe as increasing cases of unlawful detention and enforced disappearances, calling on authorities to uphold due process and respect constitutional rights.
Although Etilu has confirmed that she is no longer in custody, she did not reveal where she had been detained, who was responsible for her confinement, or whether she had faced any formal charges during the period she was held.
Her absence had sparked widespread concern among political leaders, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and residents of Amuria, many of whom publicly demanded information about her situation and called for her immediate release.
By Thursday night, authorities had not released any official explanation regarding the circumstances of Etilu’s detention or the events that led to her freedom.
English 