Uganda – September 17, 2024
Johnbosco Kibalama, a name once synonymous with activism and political opposition in Uganda, remains missing five years after his abduction in 2019. His disappearance has left his family and fellow activists devastated, with no clear answers as to his whereabouts. To date, the only individuals who know the truth are those who abducted him, and they remain silent.
The Abduction of a Political Activist
Kibalama, an outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government and a supporter of opposition movements, was reportedly picked up by unidentified security personnel in early 2019. His disappearance came during a time of heightened tension in Uganda, as the government cracked down on opposition figures ahead of the 2021 general elections. Kibalama’s activism had made him a target, and his sudden abduction was widely seen as part of a broader effort to silence dissent.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Kibalama being forcefully taken from his home by men in unmarked vehicles, dressed in plain clothes. His family, friends, and colleagues have not seen or heard from him since. Despite numerous pleas to the authorities, no official confirmation of his detention or whereabouts has ever been provided.
Five Years of Silence and Inaction
Five years have now passed since that day, and the anguish of Kibalama’s family continues to deepen. His disappearance has been shrouded in mystery, with no tangible leads and no evidence brought forward by law enforcement. Numerous human rights organizations and civil society groups have taken up his case, calling on the Ugandan government to provide answers, but their efforts have been met with silence.
“We are living in constant fear and sorrow,” said one of Kibalama’s close family members. “It has been five years, and we still don’t know if he is alive or dead. We just want to know what happened to him. We want answers, we want justice.”
The family has made multiple attempts to engage legal counsel, file complaints, and appeal to various institutions, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), but with no success. Despite repeated calls for an investigation into his abduction, authorities have been evasive, often denying any knowledge of his whereabouts or involvement in his disappearance.
Growing Concerns Over Enforced Disappearances
Kibalama’s case is one of many similar instances of forced disappearances in Uganda, where political activists, journalists, and opposition figures have been abducted or arbitrarily detained by security agencies. These enforced disappearances have become an alarming trend, especially in the wake of the 2021 elections, which saw widespread arrests, crackdowns on protests, and the targeting of opposition leaders.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been vocal in their condemnation of these tactics, accusing the Ugandan government of systematically violating the rights of its citizens. They have called for a full investigation into Kibalama’s case and the many others like it, but no progress has been made.
“Johnbosco Kibalama is one of many Ugandans who have simply vanished, seemingly for exercising their right to free speech and political activism,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “The Ugandan government must take responsibility and end this disturbing practice of enforced disappearances. His family deserves the truth, and they deserve justice.”
The International Community’s Response
Kibalama’s disappearance has also drawn attention from the international community, particularly from diplomatic missions and human rights organizations abroad. Several Western governments have urged Uganda to respect the rule of law and human rights, calling for greater transparency in cases of enforced disappearances.
However, despite growing pressure from both within and outside the country, the Ugandan government has remained largely unresponsive. Critics argue that this silence reflects a broader pattern of impunity in which security forces operate without accountability, particularly in cases involving opposition figures.
The Fight for Justice Continues
As the five-year anniversary of Kibalama’s disappearance passes, his family, friends, and fellow activists refuse to give up hope. They continue to demand answers and are calling on the international community to intensify its efforts to hold the Ugandan government accountable for his disappearance.
“We will not stop asking questions. We will not stop demanding justice for Johnbosco,” said a close friend of Kibalama. “This is not just about him—this is about all the people in Uganda who have been silenced and disappeared for standing up for what is right. We will continue to fight until we know the truth.”
A Bleak Outlook for Human Rights
Kibalama’s case is emblematic of the increasing erosion of human rights and civil liberties in Uganda, where the government’s heavy-handed approach to political dissent continues to raise alarms. The country’s human rights landscape has worsened in recent years, with numerous reports of unlawful detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings, especially against those who dare to oppose the ruling regime.
As the 2026 general elections approach, activists fear that the situation may only worsen, with more abductions and disappearances likely to occur as political tensions escalate. In the absence of meaningful government action or accountability, families like Kibalama’s are left in limbo, grappling with the devastating uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved ones.
For now, the question of where Johnbosco Kibalama is remains unanswered. But his family, and many others, are determined to keep fighting for the truth and for justice, no matter how long it takes.
By CMP Publications