Veteran journalist and Daily Monitor columnist Tim Kalyegira has been arraigned in court on computer misuse charges, days after his reported arrest sparked concern among colleagues, neighbors, and family.
His court appearance on Monday at Kira Magistrates Court comes after he went missing last week, with his whereabouts unknown for several days.
Attention has now turned to Kalyegira’s final social media post, published on June 24, which some observers believe may have drawn scrutiny.
In the post, the outspoken government critic suggested that key economic actors in Uganda hold the power to resolve the country’s ongoing political and constitutional challenges.
“The people with the solution to Uganda's current political and constitutional crisis know themselves,” he wrote. “If they wanted to end the crazy impunity, they would do so with a few simple decisions.”
The remarks, widely circulated online following his arrest, have added a new dimension to the unfolding case, given Kalyegira’s history of using digital platforms to critique the government.
Journalist Gabriel Buule was among the first to confirm developments surrounding Kalyegira’s detention.
“Tim Kalyegira was abducted on Friday and he is now at Kira Magistrates Court where he is being charged with computer misuse,” Buule stated.
Prior to his reappearance in court, concern had been mounting over Kalyegira’s sudden disappearance. Residents of Butenga Estate in Kira, where he lives, raised the alarm through a WhatsApp group after noticing his absence.
According to a message shared among residents, Kalyegira had not been seen since Thursday or Friday last week, which coincided with his birthday.
His phone remained switched off, and his family had reportedly been informed of the situation.
“We remain hopeful for his safe return,” the message read at the time, reflecting uncertainty over his condition and whereabouts.
Kalyegira is widely known as a social critic and researcher, often engaging in political commentary that challenges the status quo.
His arrest and subsequent charges are likely to intensify debate over freedom of expression and the use of cyber laws in Uganda.
Kalyegira was remanded following a court appearance on Monday.