Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament Maggie Etilu has announced that she is free after nearly three weeks of what she described as an “unlawful detention,” ending days of speculation and public concern over her whereabouts.
In a post published on her X account at 6:28 p.m. on Thursday, Etilu thanked Ugandans and various groups that had campaigned and prayed for her release.
“I thank all Ugandans, the Church, human rights activists, MPs, and my electorates for standing with me and praying during my unlawful detention since 23rd May 2026. I am now free. May God abundantly bless you all,” Etilu posted.
Her statement comes barely a day after the Leader of Government Business and Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, together with Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo, assured Parliament that the legislator would be released within the week.
The assurance followed pressure from the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who demanded that government explain the disappearance of Etilu and account for other Ugandans reported missing under unclear circumstances.
The opposition had raised concerns over what they described as enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions, urging government to provide answers on the fate of those allegedly being held without due process.
Etilu’s announcement appears to confirm her release, although she did not disclose where she had been held, the circumstances surrounding her detention, or whether any charges had been preferred against her.
Her disappearance had attracted widespread concern from fellow legislators, civil society organisations, religious leaders, human rights activists and constituents in Amuria District, many of whom had called for her immediate release or for authorities to reveal her whereabouts.
By Thursday evening, government had not yet issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding Etilu’s detention and subsequent release-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
