Police have confirmed the arrest of activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje, dismissing claims that she was abducted by armed, unidentified men over the weekend.
Aloikin’s relatives, friends and fellow activists had raised concerns about her whereabouts, alleging that she had been taken away by armed men after reportedly being lured to a police station.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday that Aloikin was not abducted but was lawfully arrested and remains in police custody.
“She is in police custody and at an appropriate time, she will be arraigned before courts of law,” Rusoke said.
Rusoke said the arrest is linked to alleged misuse of social media, although Police have not publicly disclosed the specific posts or statements that form the basis of the allegations.
“She knowingly used her digital account and offended and must have known she is not above the law. She will face the law,” Rusoke said.
He added that social media users are subject to the law regardless of their public profile or following.
“You will be taken on as long as you break the laws of the country,” Rusoke warned.
Aloikin was among young activists who participated in the 2024 anti-corruption protests and has previously spoken publicly about corruption and accountability. She was also identified as one of the organisers of a planned march to Parliament in 2024.
In a recent social media video, Aloikin criticised the conduct of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and its leader, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Some of her supporters have linked the video to her subsequent disappearance, although Police have not publicly said whether it forms part of the allegations against her.
Rusoke said investigations are still ongoing and that Aloikin will be taken to court once the process is complete.
“She is in police custody. She will be charged for the way she used her social media and will be arraigned in courts of law soon,” he said.
The Police spokesperson also warned social media users against using digital platforms to threaten, insult, demean or otherwise engage in conduct that violates Ugandan law.
“There are laws that govern this country,” Rusoke said.
The arrest has renewed debate among activists and social media users about the limits of online expression, police powers and the treatment of government critics.
