Human Rights Activist Makana Kennedy Abducted Near High Court in Kampala

Human rights activist Makana Kennedy Ndyamuhaki was reportedly abducted near the High Court of Uganda in Kampala by unidentified security operatives, according to eyewitness accounts.

Witnesses say the activist was forcefully taken by individuals believed to be security personnel and pushed into a waiting vehicle before being driven away. The incident reportedly occurred in broad daylight near the court premises, an area usually busy with lawyers, court staff, and members of the public.

As of now, the whereabouts of Makana Kennedy remain unknown.

Eyewitness Accounts

Individuals present at the scene say the operatives arrived quickly and carried out the abduction within minutes. Some witnesses described the vehicle used in the incident as an unmarked van, a type of vehicle commonly referred to locally as a “drone,” which has previously been linked to security operations involving arrests and detentions.

Bystanders say the activist appeared to resist before being forced into the vehicle.

Attempts by onlookers to question the operatives reportedly yielded no response, and the vehicle quickly left the area.

Growing Concern Among Activists

The incident has sparked concern among human rights defenders and civil society groups, many of whom fear that the activist may have been subjected to an enforced disappearance.

Uganda has in recent years faced criticism from human rights organizations over alleged abductions and detentions carried out by security agencies without clear legal procedures.

Activists say such incidents undermine the rule of law and create a climate of fear among citizens who speak out on governance and human rights issues.

Calls for Immediate Accountability

Civil society groups and fellow activists are now calling on authorities to clarify Makana Kennedy’s whereabouts and ensure his immediate release if he is being held by state security agencies.

They are also demanding transparency and accountability from security institutions regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Human rights advocates argue that anyone suspected of wrongdoing should be arrested through lawful procedures and presented before court, rather than being taken through extrajudicial means.

A Pattern of Concern

The reported abduction adds to a growing list of cases in which activists, journalists, and opposition supporters have allegedly been picked up by security operatives and held in undisclosed locations.

Rights organizations have repeatedly urged the government to investigate these incidents and uphold constitutional protections related to personal liberty and due process.

Unanswered Questions

As the search for Makana Kennedy continues, many questions remain unanswered.

Who carried out the abduction?
Where has he been taken?
And under what legal authority was he seized?

For now, family members, colleagues, and fellow activists are demanding answers while hoping for his safe return.