In the shadows of Uganda’s political unrest, supporters of opposition leader Bobi Wine are facing a harrowing reality that demands immediate international attention. Among the afflicted is Mulumba Semakula, whose harrowing experiences during the campaign days lay bare a pattern of intimidation and brutality that many fear may become irreversible if not challenged.
Mulumba Semakula’s tale is as chilling as it is urgent. On June 20, 2020, in Kalangala District, what was meant to be a significant stride toward freedom turned into a nightmare. During a rally in support of Bobi Wine, the police violently descended upon the attendees. Semakula, along with others, was detained for four torturous days. Despite their resolve, these days would leave scars both physical and psychological.
The police wielded batons with impunity, inflicting wounds aimed to quash the spirit of change. Semakula’s narrative recounts not only the physical torture but the psychological torment that persists to this day, manifesting as nightmares and a constant battle with mental health.
The crackdown didn’t stop at the rally. In the aftermath, the victims like Semakula found themselves in a perpetual state of fear and flight. Staying silent was not an option, yet speaking up meant risking further violence or even death. The government’s message was clear: dissent would not be tolerated.
Semakula’s plight is emblematic of the broader crisis facing Uganda’s democracy activists. With many of his colleagues still missing, presumably abducted, and some even killed, the threat is far from hyperbolic. The kidnappings continue, as do the threats, forcing many to flee their homes and live in constant fear of being the next target.
This persistent state of terror has prompted Semakula to remain on the run. He has been arrested three times, each instance a stark reminder that his life is precariously perched on the edge of a knife wielded by those in power.
As the international community stands witness to these injustices, it is imperative that they step in. The lives of Semakula and countless others hang in the balance, and without intervention, the dark cloud of forced disappearances and unaccountable government actions could spell a catastrophic erosion of human rights in Uganda.
For those who stand for democracy and human rights across the globe, Mulumba Semakula’s story is not just a news article; it’s a call to action. As he and others like him continue to endure the cost of their courage, the world must not turn a blind eye.
