The whereabouts of Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Maggie Etilu, remain unknown several days after she was reportedly picked up by security operatives in Kampala, sparking concern among legislators, her family, and constituents.
Reports indicate that Etilu was allegedly taken on May 23 while leaving the residence of former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, in the capital. Her disappearance has since triggered anxiety within political circles, with colleagues and relatives calling for clarity on her condition and whereabouts.
Sources within Parliament, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the legislator had visited the former Speaker following reports of heightened security activity and searches around her residence. It is alleged that she was intercepted shortly after leaving the premises.
Another Member of Parliament from the Teso sub-region said Etilu had close relations with the former Speaker and had occasionally spent time at her residence. The legislator claimed this connection may have placed her under scrutiny, although no official explanation has been provided.
Efforts by fellow lawmakers to trace her whereabouts have reportedly yielded no results. Some MPs say they have engaged different authorities, including parliamentary leadership, but have not received any concrete information. The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has also reportedly been approached, though the matter remains unresolved.
Etilu’s family has also expressed distress over her disappearance. Her mother, Margaret Etilu, said she only recently learned that her daughter was missing after relatives delayed informing her due to concerns over her health condition. She said she has been left in anguish and is holding onto faith that her daughter is safe wherever she may be.
Attempts to get an official response from police were unsuccessful. Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma did not answer calls or respond to inquiries by press time.
Etilu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), entered Parliament following the retirement of former Amuria District Woman MP Susan Amero. Her recent absence has been noted in several key parliamentary and party activities, including caucus meetings and early sessions of the 12th Parliament.
Her disappearance comes amid growing concern over similar cases involving public figures allegedly picked up by security operatives and held without immediate public disclosure.
Among those cited in recent incidents is Justine Nameere, who was reportedly taken shortly after her swearing-in as Masaka City Woman MP, as well as Denis Ssekabira, who was later confirmed by the Uganda People’s Defence Force to be in custody over alleged subversive activities.
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