Exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabasaija has made serious allegations about the fate of missing National Unity Platform (NUP) member John Bosco Kibalama. According to Kakwenza, Kibalama was shot dead and secretly buried in a mass grave at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters. He claims to have received corroborating information from three independent sources within the SFC.
Kakwenza alleged that Kibalama was shot dead by Asaph Nyakikuru Mweteitse using a PK light machine gun. He claimed that Kibalama's body was then buried near the perimeter wall of the house formerly occupied by the late George Kanyeihamba, a former Supreme Court judge. This location allegedly contains the remains of hundreds of other Ugandans who were abducted during the 2021 general election.
The alleged mass grave is said to contain the remains of 357 other Ugandans who were abducted before, during, and after the 2021 military operation masquerading as a general election. Kakwenza's claims raise serious questions about the fate of people reported missing during political and security operations. However, he did not publicly provide the evidence he said his sources possessed.
Kakwenza also alleged that Kibalama had suffered paralysis before his reported death. He drew comparisons with opposition figure Sam Mugumya, whose circumstances he described as similarly troubling. According to Kakwenza, Mugumya could have faced a similar fate had videos showing his condition not circulated publicly.
The writer claimed that following the release of the footage, Mugumya was transferred to another house near Mbuya, while guards were court-martialled and other inmates moved to Nakasongola barracks. Kakwenza said the individuals who allegedly supplied the information had evidence but needed protection before making it available.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no verified evidence has been presented alongside the post. The named individuals and relevant security authorities should have an opportunity to respond to the claims as calls for credible investigations into the fate of missing Ugandans continue.
The claims have sparked concerns about the safety of alleged witnesses and the need for independent scrutiny of the reported disappearances. Kakwenza's statement highlights the need for protection for witnesses and the importance of verifying the allegations through independent investigations.
Key points
- Exiled writer Kakwenza Rukirabasaija alleges that NUP member Kibalama was shot dead and buried at SFC headquarters.
- The alleged mass grave at SFC headquarters may contain the remains of 357 Ugandans abducted during the 2021 general election.
- The allegations raise serious questions about the fate of people reported missing during political and security operations in Uganda.
