Activist Anne Mugisha has called for protection for former military intelligence officer Lt Herbert Mabonga following his recent statements alleging abuse, illegal detention and other misconduct within Uganda’s security system.
Mabonga recently made a series of allegations touching on Uganda’s security and intelligence operations, corruption and human rights. He also released video footage which he claimed was recorded at a security facility, including footage appearing to show opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muwanga Kivumbi.
His statements have triggered renewed debate over the treatment of political detainees and the operations of security agencies, particularly after he alleged the existence of a parallel security structure operating outside the formal military command.
Mabonga further alleged that security operatives had been involved in abductions, torture, arbitrary arrests and disappearances. He also raised concerns about corruption within government institutions and questioned the manner in which some security operations were conducted.
Reacting to the claims, Mugisha expressed concern over Mabonga's safety, saying his decision to speak publicly had placed him in a vulnerable position.
“Dear Lord, protect this man! He has exposed uncomfortable truths and exposed the ugly underbelly of the basement,” Mugisha said.
She said Mabonga had brought attention to issues that many Ugandans had allegedly avoided confronting because of fear, self-preservation or acceptance of the status quo.
“He has opened eyes that were glued shut by greed, self-preservation and passive acceptance of evil in our midst. He has made influential and deadly enemies,” she added.
Mugisha also credited Mabonga with helping people who were searching for missing relatives, saying his actions had provided information to families affected by disappearances.
“Lord protect him for those he has liberated from silent acquiescence, for those whom he has helped locate missing family members,” she said.
Her remarks come as questions surrounding the detention of opposition figures remain a subject of public debate. Among those mentioned in the recent controversy is Sam Mugumya, whose whereabouts and treatment have been disputed, with his lawyers and political allies raising concerns over his alleged detention.
Mugisha said Uganda deserved better governance and urged citizens to reject wrongdoing regardless of who was responsible.
She also criticised the use of Christianity by people accused of committing abuses, arguing that religious language should not be used to justify the suffering of Ugandans.