Alupo Assures Parliament Missing MP Margaret Etilu Will Return This Week

Vice President Jessica Alupo has assured Parliament that Amuria District Woman MP Margaret Etilu, who has not been seen in public for more than two weeks, is safe and expected to return to Parliament this week.

Alupo made the remarks during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday following growing concern among legislators, family members and residents of Amuria District over Etilu’s whereabouts.

“I want to assure you that she will be joining us any time this week,” Alupo told Parliament, adding that she had met some of the legislator’s relatives and received assurances regarding her wellbeing.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also told Parliament that government authorities are aware of Etilu’s location and that her family has been informed.

“The government knows where Hon. Margaret Etilu is. Her family has been informed, and she is expected to be released soon,” Nabbanja said.

The assurances come after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the newly elected legislator, who was last seen publicly on May 23.

Reports indicate that Etilu disappeared shortly after leaving the residence of former Speaker Anita Annet Among in Nakasero, Kampala. Information from fellow legislators and witnesses suggested that security operatives picked her up shortly after she left the residence.

Her disappearance occurred amid ongoing investigations involving some associates of Among, although no official statement has linked Etilu to any criminal investigation. Until this week, no security agency had publicly acknowledged her detention.

The legislator’s absence prompted members of the Teso Parliamentary Group to seek clarification from parliamentary leadership regarding her legal status and whereabouts. Her family and constituents also demanded answers as days passed without any communication.

The matter further drew criticism from opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who argued that the case raises concerns about human rights, due process and prolonged detention without trial.

Etilu, who was elected on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket and recently sworn into the 12th Parliament, has missed several key parliamentary activities, including the ruling party caucus meeting, the election of parliamentary leaders and orientation sessions for newly elected Members of Parliament.