The family of the Umar Kato who “disappeared” following a security swoop two weeks ago in Mbale, are hoping to see their family member again after President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
Kato (30), the National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator for Bugisu sub-region, was arrested by plain-clothed security personnel last Sunday evening, from Bugema, Nawuyo Town Council in Mbale District and has not returned home since then.
Frantic efforts by his family members to search for him in police stations around the region have not yielded anything and a case of disappearance was filed at Mbale Central Police Station under reference number SD-115/5/5/2021.
Kato’s cousin, Lawrence Khaukha says he hopes that after president Museveni’s swearing in, Kato may regain his freedom. A week gone now, the family has opted not to share Kato’s fate to his mother who is hypertensive and hospitalized for fear of the worst that may happen.
NUP party Deputy President for Easter region, Hon John Baptist Nambeshe, told this website that Kato is not alone as many more NUP supporters were clandestinely picked last week by security agents using the notorious vans popularly known as “drones.”
The day Kato was arrested, Nambeshe says three other NUP supporters were also picked from the region and until today their whereabouts remain unknown. He says, a one Were was lucky after he jumped out of the drone and escaped. Were is now in hiding for fear of arrest.
He also said several NUP supporters in Bugisu sub-region have since ran into “exile” in Busia, Kenya, after learning that they were on the list pending arrest.
A similar sentiment is shared by Makindye Ssabagabo MP-Elect David Sserukenya. He said many NUP supporters who were arrested during and after the 2021 elections may be released after Museveni’s swearing in.
As leaders, Nambeshe said they have engaged authorities including the office of the IGP but nothing much has been achieved in locating the whereabouts of the detainees nor their release.
He castigated the arbitrary arrests across the country and said he hopes there will be relief after president Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony.