Political Analyst Charles Rwomushana Released After Dramatic Seizure from Kampala Radio Station

What the report says

KAMPALA, Uganda — Political commentator Charles Rwomushana has been released after being held for more than a day by unidentified security operatives, according to Watchdog Uganda. He was freed late Sunday night or early Monday, after his removal from a live radio discussion at Radio Simba in Kampala on Saturday morning.

The incident unfolded at the station’s Bukoto studios during the Saturday political talk show Gasimbagane ne Bannamawulire, where Rwomushana was appearing as a panellist. Watchdog Uganda reported that armed men in plain clothes entered the premises, took him away, and left staff and colleagues unable to stop the operation. The station later confirmed that the men had arrived in vehicles and forced their way in after confronting security guards.

Rwomushana briefly confirmed his release to journalists but did not explain where he had been held or what led to his detention. Security agencies had not publicly taken responsibility as of the report, and police said they were aware of the incident but had not yet received a full briefing. The reason for the seizure remained unclear.

The report noted that the episode has renewed concern about due process, media freedom and the conduct of security forces around media houses. It also comes against a broader backdrop of Uganda’s tense political environment, including public debate over security operations and the treatment of outspoken commentators.