The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has confirmed it is holding Moses Nkonge Kibalama, the former head of the National Unity Platform.
The army says Mr Kibalama is being detained at an undisclosed location for his own safety and also that they are trying to guard his house which is located in Buwambo in Wakiso District.
Kibalama has reportedly been missing since the start this week. His house has also been taken over by UPDF soldiers who curtailed all access to it.
Daily Monitor on Friday quoted some of Kibalama’s family members saying he had last been seen on Monday this week and that his phones and those of his driver had been switched off.
On Wednesday night Mr Kibalama appeared in a recorded video in which he denounced Hon Robert Kyagulanyi to whom he sold his party NUP back in July, and asked to have it back.
Speaking about his disappearance today, UPDF Spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso told press that the army was involved primarily to ensure Kibalama’s security.
“I wouldn’t be the right person to talk about this but I am compelled because people in the media don’t seem to have the facts right,” Byekwaso said.
“The security is holding him wherever he is being held for good reasons, but most importantly to afford him maximum security,” she said, adding, “Don’t ask me why, because everyone knows how they do their work.”
The army spokesperson said they had decided to butt in after receiving information that Kibalama’s life was in danger.
“From what I have picked, there was some intelligence reports that indicated threats to his life and planned violence at his premises,” she said.
Byekwaso however, appeared to indicate that a different wing of the army was in charge of this operation.
“The mainstream UPDF is not responsible for Mr Kibalama and has not done any action against him, his family or close associates as reported in the media,” she said.
