The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Maggie Etilu, has deepened after both the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) denied holding her in detention.
Etilu has not been seen in public since May 23, when she was reportedly picked up by security operatives in Nakasero, Kampala, shortly after visiting the residence of former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among.
On Tuesday, political leaders from the Teso sub-region alleged that the legislator was being detained by the Special Forces Command (SFC), claims that have since been denied by the elite military unit.
Soroti East MP Moses Attan claimed that Etilu was being held at a military facility in Kasenyi under government custody.
“She is with the Government of Uganda, detained by the SFC at Kasenyi,” Attan posted on his social media platform, Attan-the Gardener 2026–2031.
Attan further said that individuals who had allegedly seen the MP informed him that she was in good health and being kept in what he described as a “home-like environment” while undergoing interrogation.
According to the legislator, members of the Teso Parliamentary Group (TPG) had agreed to pursue discreet engagements aimed at securing Etilu’s release.
However, the SFC swiftly dismissed the allegations.
In response to inquiries, SFC spokesperson Maj. Denis Omara said the unit had no reason to detain the MP.
“There is no offence linking her to the SFC, and therefore no reason for us to hold her. I advise you to inquire from the police,” Omara said in a text message.
The denial has further fueled uncertainty over the whereabouts of the newly sworn-in legislator.
Some senior leaders from Teso, who said they were aware of ongoing investigations surrounding Etilu’s disappearance, maintained that she was being held by security agencies but declined to reveal additional details, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
Meanwhile, police say they are still verifying reports regarding whether Etilu is under arrest and, if so, where she may be detained.
Speaking during the weekly police press briefing on Monday, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said he needed more time to establish the facts before commenting conclusively.
“I need to first confirm whether she is under arrest, which police station she could be held in, and what charges may be involved,” Kituuma said.
His remarks have done little to calm growing anxiety among political leaders, family members, and residents across the Teso sub-region, where demands for answers have intensified over the past week.
Among those demanding accountability is former Serere District Woman MP Alice Alaso Asianut, who questioned the silence of state institutions and political leaders over the disappearance of the legislator.
“I ask with a very heavy heart, where is Hon. Margaret Etilu?” Alaso wrote in a statement shared on social media.
Etilu’s disappearance has sparked widespread concern among constituents and fellow lawmakers, with increasing calls for security agencies to publicly disclose her whereabouts and either release her or produce her before a competent court if she is facing any charges.
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