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in a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s opposition circles and media fraternity, renowned photojournalist and media influencer Andrew Natumanya, popularly known as Ninye Tabz, has been reportedly abducted by security operatives in Kamwokya, Kampala.
The incident, which occurred on June 16, 2026, has reignited public outrage over the controversial “drone” operations—a term that has become synonymous with unmarked vehicles used by security agencies for extrajudicial arrests .
According to eyewitness accounts and opposition officials, Ninye Tabz was violently intercepted by armed operatives in Kamwokya, a known stronghold of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) . He was bundled into a notorious Toyota Hiace minibus—widely referred to in Uganda as a “drone”—and whisked away to an unknown location .
The National Unity Platform Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, confirmed the incident on social media, stating: “We’ve just been informed of the abduction of Ninye Tabz from Kamwokya a short while ago. He has been whisked away in a drone. The lawlessness continues!” .
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, echoed Rubongoya’s sentiments, decrying what he called “senseless abductions” .
Who Is Ninye Tabz?
Ninye Tabz is more than just a social media personality. He is an investigative journalist, human rights activist, photographer, and a vocal supporter of the opposition NUP . He rose to prominence during recent election campaigns for producing digital campaign videos, photographs, and online content that helped popularize the party across social media platforms .
In recent weeks, Tabz had become increasingly vocal in his criticism of government officials. He drew particular attention when he revived a controversial chapter from State Minister Justine Nameere Nsubuga’s past, referencing allegations dating back to 2019 when she was reportedly remanded to Luzira Prison over fraud accusations . Rather than a measured response, Nameere launched a blistering personal attack against Tabz, which became the center of social media discussion .
The “Drone” Phenomenon
The term “drone” in Uganda has nothing to do with aerial vehicles. It refers to unmarked Toyota Hiace vans used by plainclothes security operatives for arrests that critics describe as extrajudicial . These vehicles became widely reported during the aftermath of Uganda’s 2021 general elections and have since been linked to a pattern of disappearances of opposition figures and government critics .
Security agencies have previously defended their operations, maintaining that arrests carried out are lawful and necessary for national security. However, human rights activists have repeatedly urged authorities to end the use of unmarked vans in security operations, arguing that the practice creates fear and raises questions about accountability and due process .
A Pattern of Crackdowns
Tabz’s abduction is part of a troubling pattern of arrests targeting journalists, bloggers, and opposition figures. Just two days prior, on June 15, prominent lawyer and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago was similarly abducted by elite Special Forces Command operatives from his Wakaliga home .
Lukwago was seized while preparing to serve court documents to the Chief of Defence Forces in a high-profile treason case. Though he was eventually dumped at a police station and later remanded on charges of misprision of treason, the swift seizure of Tabz indicates that security agencies have not relented .
This follows other cases, including the March 2026 abduction of journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose of DigiTalk Media, who was detained after appearing on a radio talk show discussing a Constitutional Court ruling that nullified parts of the Computer Misuse Amendment Act .
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned Mukose’s arrest as “a blatant attempt to intimidate journalists” and an act designed to “suppress media freedom and freedom of expression” .
As of the time of this report, the whereabouts of Ninye Tabz remain unknown . Pressure is mounting on authorities to provide answers regarding his detention. The NUP has demanded either his immediate release or his production before a competent court, insisting that all arrests must follow legal procedures outlined in the Constitution .
His abduction raises serious questions about the state of press freedom, political expression, and the rule of law in Uganda. For a photojournalist and media influencer who built his platform on exposing government wrongdoing and amplifying opposition voices, Tabz’s fate remains uncertain—and deeply concerning for all who believe in the principles of free expression and democratic accountability.
Nup’s David Lewis Rubongoya
We’ve just been informed of the abduction of @NinyeTabz from Kamwokya a short while ago. He has been whisked away in a drone. The lawlessness continues! #FreeUgandaNow
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