UHRC: NUP Submitted Only 30 Names, Reports Kibalama’s Wife’s Uncooperativeness

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, has affirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations into all human rights violations, despite accusations of indifference.

Wangadya stated that the commission has consistently ensured comprehensive investigations and transparent reporting on the cases it handles. During an interview on UBC, she mentioned that the commission’s budget has been strained due to investigations into cases of missing persons reported by the National Unity Platform (NUP).

NUP alleged that 1000 people were missing, but they provided the Human Rights Commission with a list of only 30 names. These 30 cases have been thoroughly investigated.

“When I requested a list of over 1000 NUP supporters who were claimed to have been abducted, I was given only 30 names,” Wangadya remarked.

The Human Rights Commission’s investigation revealed that 12 of them were currently facing trial, while others were out on bail.

Wangadya also provided an update on the Kibalama case, where she reported that some individuals have not cooperated sufficiently to expedite the investigation.

The commission managed to contact Kibalama’s wife, Aturinda Ritah, through his sister, Nakanjako Saudah. However, Wangadya noted that Kibalama’s wife has not been cooperative and intentionally withheld information, particularly between July and August 2023.

She also pointed out inconsistencies in the information the commission received, as Kibalama’s wife was initially reported to be in Bugolobi but was later found to be in Kakiri. This made it difficult for the commission to gather information.

John Bosco Kibalama went missing on June 3, 2019. The NUP contestant for the Member of Parliament seat in Busiro North was not heard from, except for the discovery of his abandoned car along Kampala Gayaza road by the police.

Information about him resurfaced when Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, claimed in one of her speeches that Kibalama had been detained in 2022 for allegedly killing police officers.