Uganda Police have dismissed as untrue, claims by the National Unity Platform’s Deputy Spokesperson that the party’s Chief Mobilizer, Fred Nyanzi, is being held by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence.
While appearing on Sanyuka Television, Mufumbiro claimed that Nyanzi was being held by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence Afande Ddamulira.
In a statement released on Thursday, police dismissed these claims.
“We have noted the claims made by Alex Mufumbiro, the Deputy Spokesperson of the NUP when he appeared on Sanyuka TV regarding the whereabouts of Fred Nyanzi. The allegations that Fred Nyanzi is being held by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence of Uganda Police are untrue,” Police said.
The police condemned the claims by Mufumbiro that they deemed unethical, and urged the public to disregard it. They also advised Mufumbiro to be more cautious with the information he shares with the public.
“Such statements reflect his typical pattern of unethical communication and should be dismissed. We urge him to always make greater effort in every information he shares with public since it has consequences for the image of institutions and individuals.”
Nyanzi, who is also a brother to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly abducted by unidentified security operatives on Monday, and taken to unknown place.
On Monday, the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, alleged that Nyanzi was abducted just moments after they had finished a meeting at NUP headquarters in Kavule which involved leaders of various opposition leaders which aimed at asserting more pressure on government to release Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners.
“He was waylaid and pulled out of his car around Kubiri. Our legal team is doing everything possible to trace where he could have been taken. The regime is clearly in panic, especially as we step up efforts to demand for the release of all political prisoners.”
Nyanzi’s disappearance has left NUP and his family members in distress as his whereabouts remain unknown.
NUP lawyers, including George Musisi, have since joined the search for Nyanzi, and have threatened to petition the courts in a bid to have him produced whether dead or alive.
“At this stage, we have only one option left to petition the courts to order those holding Nyanzi to produce him, whether dead or alive,” Musisi stated.
Nyanzi’s family, led by one of his wives and children, has also come forward demanding information about his whereabouts. They have challenged the government and police to disclose any details regarding his location.
