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Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LCV Vice Chairperson, is in custody at the Kikuube Central Police Station for alleged extortion of 1.5 million shillings.

Opio was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at the Kikuube District Headquarters.

According to information gathered by Uganda Radio Network (URN), Opio extorted 1.5 million shillings from Derick Musabiire, an applicant for a job advertised in the district. 

Opio allegedly demanded the money from Musabiire to secure the job for him. However, after failing to secure the position, Musabiire reported the case to the Kikuube Central Police Station.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, confirmed Opio’s arrest and detention in a telephone interview with URN. He stated that detectives are working on Opio’s file, which will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance once ready.

Hakiza mentioned that witnesses have recorded statements against Opio to facilitate the investigation. “It is true we have him in our custody on allegations of extortion, and detectives are working on his file. Witnesses have recorded statements, and once the file is ready, it will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance,” said Hakiza. According to Hakiza, once the investigations are complete, Opio will be arraigned in court and charged with extortion.

URN has also learned that several councilors in the district are being investigated for extorting money from job seekers In June 2022, several government officials and politicians in Kikuube were investigated over alleged extortion and corruption in the recruitment of workers. 

Hundreds of job seekers were conned by district officials who demanded between 500,000 and 1,000,000 shillings from applicants, promising to help them secure jobs. Despite paying the money, these applicants did not appear on the shortlist.

Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC), confirmed to URN that many politicians, senior government officials, and members of the District Service Commission were being probed for their involvement in extortion and corruption. 

Tumusiime stated that several complaints had been submitted to his office, implicating the officials, but he concealed their particulars to avoid jeopardizing investigations. He also mentioned that his office had petitioned the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, which was investigating the matter.

In May 2022, a section of district councilors in Kikuube tabled a motion to censure three members of the District Executive Committee (DEC) over allegations of corruption, extortion, and forgery. The motion to censure Vincent Alpha Opio, the district Vice-Chairperson; Everce Munguriek, the then Secretary for Works; and Nicholas Kiiza, the Secretary for Production and Natural Resources, was moved by Ruth Kobusinge, the district female councilor for Buhimba sub-county, during a council sitting at the district headquarters.

Kobusinge claimed that the accused members were collecting money from job applicants, promising to secure them positions. Several complaints from the public had implicated the trio in extortion. However, the trio denied the allegations, stating they were aimed at tarnishing their image before the public.

***URN***

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Kikuube LC5 Vice Chairperson Arrested for Allegedly Extorting UGX 1.5M from Job Seeker

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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.

Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”

NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.

Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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