Concerns are mounting over the whereabouts of former Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Charles Twine, following unconfirmed but persistent reports of his disappearance after a high-level police summons earlier this week.
According to sources within the police, Twine was summoned on Tuesday night to appear before Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba and Deputy IGP James Ochaya.
Twine, who has been attached to Parliament as a CID officer for the past three years, reportedly traveled immediately after receiving the summons, arriving at Police Headquarters in Naguru by 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
What followed remains shrouded in secrecy and speculation.
Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, allege that following his meeting with the police leadership, Twine was quietly handed over to operatives from the Special Forces Command (SFC)—an elite military unit known for its loyalty to the presidency and increasingly controversial role in political security affairs.
The SFC officers reportedly transported Twine to an undisclosed location. His vehicle remains parked at Naguru Police Headquarters, and attempts to reach him via his known phone numbers have been unsuccessful since the incident.
When contacted by Uganda Radio Network, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Acting Spokesperson Col Chris Magezi deferred inquiries to SFC Spokesperson Maj Jimmy Omara. “I haven’t got any information regarding Twine’s arrest by our officers. But let me verify, and I will provide the information when I get it,” Maj Omara responded.
Twine’s colleagues, visibly worried but cautious in their statements, say they are still hoping for official communication regarding his status.
The SFC, though originally established to protect the President and other vital installations, has in recent years been accused by human rights groups and opposition parties of playing a covert role in politically motivated arrests and abductions.
Among the recent high-profile cases is that of Edward Ssebuwuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, a close aide and bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
Twine served as CID Spokesperson during the leadership of former CID Director Grace Akullo. His role at the directorate was brought to an abrupt end when Maj Tom Magambo took over, prompting Twine’s deployment to Parliament.
At the time of writing, no official statement had been issued by the Uganda Police Force regarding Twine’s whereabouts, and uncertainty continues to fuel anxiety both within the security establishment and among the general public.
As the silence persists, many are left questioning: What did Charles Twine know, and why did his routine summons end in vanishing?
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