Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament Margaret Etilu has broken her silence following her release from detention, confirming she is now free after spending weeks in what she described as unlawful custody.
In a statement shared on her official X account, Etilu expressed gratitude to Ugandans and various groups who stood by her during the period of uncertainty surrounding her disappearance.
“I thank all Ugandans, the Church, human rights activists, MPs, and my electorates for standing with me and praying during my unlawful detention since 23rd May 2026. I am now free. May God abundantly bless you all,” she posted.
Etilu’s disappearance had sparked concern across political and civil society circles after reports emerged that she had been picked up by security operatives on May 23 in Kampala.
Her whereabouts remained unknown for several days, prompting calls from legislators and rights groups demanding her immediate release or arraignment in court.
Her detention, which reportedly lasted more than two weeks, raised questions about adherence to constitutional provisions that require suspects to be presented before court within 48 hours.
Throughout that period, authorities did not publicly disclose the reasons for her arrest or any charges against her.
The incident triggered debate within Uganda’s political space, with opposition figures and activists pointing to what they described as a pattern of enforced disappearances and incommunicado detentions.
Government officials, however, have consistently maintained that security agencies operate within the confines of the law.
Etilu’s release is likely to intensify scrutiny over the conduct of security agencies, particularly regarding due process and transparency in arrests involving public officials.
While she did not provide further details about her detention or indicate whether legal action would follow, her statement signals the end of a tense episode that had drawn national attention.
Her case now adds to ongoing discussions about civil liberties, rule of law, and political freedoms in Uganda, with stakeholders expected to continue pushing for accountability and reforms in the security sector.