Exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabasaija has alleged that missing National Unity Platform (NUP) member John Bosco Kibalama was shot dead and buried in a mass grave at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters, in a disturbing claim that raises fresh questions about alleged abductions and disappearances in Uganda.
In a post on X, Kakwenza said he had received what he described as corroborating information from three independent sources within the SFC, alleging that Kibalama was killed by Asaph Nyakikuru Mweteitse using a PK light machine gun.
According to Kakwenza, the sources claimed that Kibalama’s body was buried in a mass grave near the perimeter wall of the late former Supreme Court judge George Kanyeihamba’s house.
The writer further alleged that the grave contained the remains of 357 other Ugandans who were reportedly abducted before, during and after the 2021 general election.
Kakwenza did not publicly present the alleged evidence in his post. The claims, including the reported death toll and the identities of those allegedly buried at the facility, could not be independently verified from the information provided.
The allegations are likely to intensify concerns among opposition supporters and human rights advocates over the fate of people reported missing after security operations and political confrontations in recent years.
Kakwenza also claimed that Kibalama had suffered paralysis before his alleged killing, comparing his reported condition to that of fellow opposition figure Sam Mugumya. According to the writer, Mugumya was allegedly at risk of suffering a similar fate but was transferred after videos showing his condition circulated publicly.
He further claimed that Mugumya was moved to another house near Mbuya, while guards were court-martialled and other inmates transferred to Nakasongola barracks. The allegations concerning Mugumya’s treatment and the reported transfers have also not been independently established in the material accompanying Kakwenza’s statement.
Kakwenza said his sources possessed evidence to support their accounts but needed protection as witnesses and should first be evacuated.His appeal highlights the potential security risks facing individuals who claim to have information about alleged abuses involving security personnel.
The claims are serious and would require independent investigation, including verification of the alleged evidence, the identities of the reported victims and the circumstances surrounding Kibalama’s disappearance.
As of the information available in Kakwenza’s post, no independently verified evidence was provided to establish that Kibalama was killed or that a mass grave containing hundreds of abducted Ugandans exists at the SFC headquarters.
The allegations therefore remain unverified, and any individuals named in connection with the reported killing should have an opportunity to respond.
