Untying The Knots: Deep Into The Mysterious Disappearance, Reported Kidnap and the Reappearance of UNAA Twice Charles Bukenya Muvawala

KAMPALA, Uganda:A fog of mystery still veils the sudden disappearance and reappearance of Uganda North America Association (UNAA) Vice President, Charles Bukenya Muvawala. The stance has left more questions than answers. While police continue to investigate, inconsistencies in the narrative of events leading to, and following his alleged abduction have fueled disturbing speculations across social media and beyond.

The Disappearance

According to the Uganda Police, Muvawala was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. His driver, a one Businge, reported his disappearance at Old Kampala Police Station later that day. Businge stated that he had been called to Happy Boys Bar in Nakulabye, where Muvawala was using the sauna.

Businge reportedly arrived at the bar at about 10:00 PM, and the two remained there until around 1:00 AM. At this point, Muvawala supposedly told Businge that he was heading to an Equity Bank ATM across the road to make a transaction. However, he never returned. Businge further says he attempted to reach Muvawala multiple times, but the calls went unanswered.

Shortly after, Businge reportedly received a puzzling text message from Muvawala, stating that he had been abducted. Following this development, Businge reported the matter to the police, attracting the attention of politicians, relatives, and friends of the ‘kidnapped’ Muvawala, who demanded answers from security agencies.

Happy Boys Bar resident CCTV showed Muvawala inside the bar before stepping out. Morris Mujulizi, an accountant at the establishment, recalled that Muvawala never returned. While the area is usually crowded, no eyewitnesses confirmed seeing him being taken. Some locals mentioned spotting security personnel and Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) operatives near the bar that night. However, this claim remains unverified.

The Search And Reactions

His family trotted from one police station to another in search of him, but the police and security agencies denied ever holding him. Police officials met with Muvawala’s relatives multiple times, but with no clear answers. UNAA condemned the disappearance, calling it a violation of human rights and vowing to push for his safe return. “We will not rest until Charles is back with his family,” the association stated.

On the other hand, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) downplayed the abduction claims, suggesting Muvawala may have staged his own disappearance. UPDF Chief Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye speculated that Muvawala could be seeking to benefit from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent policy on stateless persons, which provides certain protections to individuals without formal citizenship.

At the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters, party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu voiced his concern: “We are deeply concerned by the disappearance of Mr. Charles Bukenya Muvawala, a citizen of the United States hailing from Uganda. His family says he was abducted by gunmen from Nakulabye, Kampala, around 1:00 AM while on a visit to Uganda,” Kyagulanyi posted on his Facebook page.

He added: “At the time of his abduction, he sent a message indicating that operatives had come for him. Given the recent spate of abductions targeting opposition-leaning Ugandans, we know that this too is the handiwork of the cowardly Museveni regime. We demand his immediate release from illegal detention or his swift arraignment in court if he committed any offense.”

The Investigations and Disturbing Questions

Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that upon receiving the report, Old Kampala Police launched an immediate investigation. Preliminary findings from CCTV footage revealed that Muvawala left the bar alone and was seen conversing with unidentified individuals before jumping onto a boda-boda to an unknown location.

This police footage not only challenges the initial reports of a forced abduction by ‘gunmen’ but also raises puzzling questions. For starters, who were the unidentified individuals he spoke to outside the bar? Why did he choose to leave alone on a boda-boda (motorcycle)? Was there prior contact between Muvawala and his alleged captors?

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance grew even murkier when Muvawala reappeared two days later, on March 7th, in Buliisa district. One of his brothers informed the police of his return, though specific details about how he got there remain vague. Kituuma stated that the police have since sought to clarify these developments and have re-engaged Businge for additional details.

The Political Links and More Speculations

The case has taken on a political dimension after Businge reportedly deferred further police questions, stating he needed to consult the Secretary General or Deputy Spokesperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP). This raises speculation over whether Muvawala’s disappearance was politically motivated or if his party affiliation played a role in the unfolding events.

In response to the growing public interest, Uganda Police issued a statement last night assuring the public of a thorough investigation. “We have been monitoring social media circulations regarding the disappearance of Mr. Muvawala Charles Bukenya. We are committed to investigating the allegations of kidnap to their logical conclusion,” the statement, signed off by Kituuma, read in part.

A Case with More Questions Than Answers

Five among the several crucial questions remain unanswered though!

1 – Why did Muvawala leave the bar alone late at night?

2 – Who were the individuals he spoke to before leaving?

3 – Why did he take a motorcycle to an unknown destination?

4 – If he was indeed kidnapped, how did he escape or get released?

5 – What was the role of the political players in the narrative of his disappearance?

Despite police assurances, skepticism remains high. With no clear suspects and inconsistencies in witness statements, the Court of Public Opinion continues to seek clarity on what truly happened to Charles Bukenya Muvawala during the 48 hours of his disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Uganda Police and the NUP administration to provide credible and conclusive reports on this puzzling case.

Author Profile

Stanley Ndawula: Stanley Ndawula is a two and a half decades’ seasoned investigative journalist with a knack for serious crimes investigations and reporting. He’s the Founding Editorial Director and CEO at The Investigator Publications (U) Limited