Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for the immediate production or release of National Unity Platform (NUP) photographer and blogger Andrew Natumanya, popularly known as Ninye Tabz, following reports that he was allegedly abducted from Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb, earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, 2026, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde described the reported disappearance of Natumanya as “profoundly disturbing” and called upon authorities to immediately account for his whereabouts.
“Ninye Tabz has chronicled significant moments in our national history, particularly within National Unity Platform circles. His enforced disappearance, like those of others before him, demands immediate answers: Where is he? Under what legal authority was he taken? What charges, if any, does he face?” Ssemakadde questioned.
The Law Society boss further insisted that authorities either produce Natumanya before a competent court of law or release him without delay.
While Ssemakadde acknowledged that he had previously been a target of social media trolls from Tabz, he maintained that personal disagreements could not justify violations of constitutional rights.
“Although I have never met him, Tabz was often unkind during my moments of persecution and exile. Nevertheless, as Head of the Bar, my responsibility transcends individual animosities, factional loyalties, or the bitter fractures that have divided Uganda’s online communities,” Ssemakadde said.
The ULS boss warned that the same state apparatus previously used against government critics could eventually target others regardless of political affiliation. “The same government apparatus that targeted me has today targeted Tabz. Tomorrow it could be you,” he added.
The Radical New Bar leader pledged legal support from the Uganda Law Society to ensure Natumanya’s rights are protected and respected under the law.
Ssemakadde also used the incident to caution against growing divisions within Uganda’s political and online communities, arguing that the protection of fundamental rights should not be selective.
“The protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law is not a favour extended only to allies. It is a solemn obligation owed to every citizen, including those who once stood against us,” he noted.
Addressing Natumanya’s family, Ssemakadde reiterated the Law Society’s position that no Ugandan should disappear into unlawful detention.
“We unequivocally condemn this cowardly act and demand his immediate production and fair treatment. Uganda deserves better than perpetual cycles of abduction and fear,” he said.
Natumanya, a controversial blogger and official photographer of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly picked up from Kamwokya under circumstances that remain unclear. By Friday evening, security agencies had not publicly disclosed his whereabouts or confirmed any charges against him.
The latest development adds to growing concerns by civil society groups, opposition leaders, and human rights defenders over allegations of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests of government critics and political activists.
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