The mysterious disappearance of Florence Asio, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for the Bukedea Woman MP seat, has taken a new twist after she appeared in a video denying claims that she had been kidnapped.
Her missing out on nomination ensured that the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among was declared unopposed in the Bukedea Woman MP race.
Asio, who went missing just hours before her nomination, had caused panic among NUP leaders and supporters, with many demanding answers about her whereabouts.
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, alleged that Asio had been abducted and that both her family and party members were unaware of her location.
However, on Sunday evening, a video surfaced online in which Asio dismissed the kidnap claims.
“I wish to categorically make it clear to everyone that I was not kidnapped,” Asio said.
“My decision not to appear on the nomination grounds that day came out of family pressure, being that I am a daughter of the Right Honourable Speaker, Annet Anita Among. So, due to family pressure, I had to pull out.”
She explained that her decision to contest was made abruptly, without consulting her family.
“My intentions to contest came in on short notice, and it came to them as a shock on the day of my unveiling. That is when the pressure started mounting. I didn’t take it seriously at first, but I couldn’t hold it anymore,” she said.
The video has stirred public debate and mixed reactions with some questioning the circumstances surrounding the video’s release and whether Asio spoke under pressure.
With the video seeming to be a slap in the face of the National Unity Platform leadership including its president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, it remains to be seen what their reaction to the same will be.
