Fresh concern has raised over the whereabouts of human rights defender and activist Praise Aloikin Opoloje after she was reportedly taken from Namungoona Police Station by armed individuals after claiming that she’s not afraid of ‘a spoilt cabbage’ like Gen. Muhoozi.
According to accounts from colleagues, lawyers and civil society activists, Opoloje was taken away on Saturday, September 26, after being summoned to the police station. Reports indicate that the individuals who took her away did not identify themselves or disclose where she was being taken.
Some accounts linked the operation to a Toyota Hiace van locally known as a “drone.” Reports have given differing registration details for the vehicle, with one account citing UA875AC.
By Sunday, neither the Uganda Police Force nor defence authorities had publicly confirmed Opoloje’s whereabouts, legal status or whether she had been charged with any offence.
The reported disappearance has prompted calls from lawyers and human rights activists for authorities to account for her whereabouts and ensure that she has access to her family and legal representation. The Uganda Law Society has also called for her immediate release and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her reported transfer.
Opoloje is a Makerere University law graduate and human rights defender known for her activism on civil liberties, accountability, social justice and anti-corruption. In May 2025, she was named the winner of the European Union Human Rights Defenders Award in recognition of her work.
She was also involved in anti-corruption and civic campaigns in 2024, including activities connected to the March to Parliament. The EU said at the time that she had previously been arrested twice and remanded to Luzira Prison in connection with her activism.
The latest reports have also drawn attention to Opoloje’s recent public criticism of government figures and the Patriotic League of Uganda. However, the circumstances surrounding her reported disappearance and the reason for any possible detention have not been officially established.
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