End the enforced disappearance of opposition leader

On July 17, Robert Lugya Kayingo, a Ugandan-South African lawyer and President of the Ugandan Federal Alliance, an opposition political party, was arrested by security agents at Entebbe Airport shortly after arriving from South Africa.

The agents did not identify themselves or explain why he was being detained. Since then, Robert has not been seen or heard from. His family and lawyer have received no information about where he is being held or why.

This is a clear case of enforced disappearance. The Ugandan authorities must immediately reveal Robert Lugya Kayingo’s whereabouts, allow him access to his family and a lawyer, and unless he is charged with a recognizable crime, release him without delay.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Ugandan Attorney General urging him to:

• Immediately disclose Robert Lugya Kayingo’s whereabouts.
• Release him unless he is charged with a recognizable offense.
• Ensure he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment.
• Grant him access to his family, a lawyer of his choice, and adequate healthcare.

Arrest and disappearance at Entebbe Airport

Robert Lugya Kayingo is a lawyer and, since January 2025, the President of the Ugandan Federal Alliance, an opposition political party. On July 17, he arrived at Entebbe Airport from South Africa, where he lives with his family. He had returned to Uganda to attend his uncle’s funeral.

After landing, Robert was arrested by immigration officers, who handed him over to unidentified security agents. Neither group identified themselves or gave any reason for the arrest. Robert managed to speak briefly with his family by phone until about 5 p.m. that day. Since then, all communication has stopped.

Later that day, his family went to the police station at Entebbe Airport to ask about his whereabouts. Police claimed they had no record of his arrest.

Legal action and government silence

On July 23, Robert’s family filed a habeas corpus application at the High Court of Uganda, demanding the authorities reveal his whereabouts. The next day, none of the named respondents, including the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, appeared in court.

At the hearing on July 31, a state lawyer told the court that none of the agencies listed in the application had Robert in custody, but claimed they were trying to locate him.

Robert’s disappearance appears to be politically motivated and a direct attack on his right to freedom of expression and association. Under international law, his ongoing incommunicado detention qualifies as an enforced disappearance and puts him at serious risk of harm.

Please take action as soon as possible until January 1, 2026. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.