Questions continue to swirl over the sudden release of missing journalist and social media influencer Natumanya Andrew, popularly known as Ninye Tabz, after five days in detention, with insiders claiming the decision was a calculated security move rather than a change of heart.
The acting National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Lina Zedriga Waru, on Monday confirmed that Tabz had finally regained his freedom after disappearing under mysterious circumstances that had sparked public outrage both inside and outside Uganda.
Tabz, the official photographer of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, reportedly vanished five days ago after armed security operatives allegedly picked him from his home in Bukoto. His disappearance added to the growing list of opposition supporters and activists whose whereabouts have remained unknown for days or weeks after being seized by security agencies.
Announcing the development on X, Zedriga expressed relief but said the struggle for the release of other missing Ugandans was far from over.”The Lord has done it! A while ago I spoke to Tabz with a pleasant surprise… He is out on police bond. Definitely he needs medical attention. To God be the glory as we demand for the release of all the rest. It is not a favour; it is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1995 Constitution.”
Hours later, NUP supporters confirmed that the journalist had been taken to the Central Police Station (CPS), where he was processed before being released on police bond.Police charged Tabz with unauthorized disclosure of official information and unlawful disclosure or obtaining of personal data, offences that carry criminal penalties under Uganda’s cyber and data protection laws. He was ordered to report back to police on June 29.
WHY THE SUDDEN RELEASE?
While NUP leaders celebrated the release, security insiders painted a different picture.Highly placed security sources told The Investigator that Tabz’s release was a tactical decision after investigators reportedly extracted the information they required during his detention.
“We got all we needed from him and now we have let him free,” a security source said.The source added that the journalist’s freedom should not be interpreted as the end of investigations. “Anytime we need him again, he will be picked. The investigations are still active.”
The revelation has fuelled speculation that security agencies deliberately released him to ease mounting public criticism over his disappearance.Political observers note that Tabz’s release comes at a politically sensitive moment.
The country is still debating the continued detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago after his bail application was rejected, while Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua’s recent deportation from Uganda has attracted widespread regional condemnation.
Some analysts believe releasing Tabz may have been intended to lower political temperatures.”It is security trying to cool the already tense situation in the country. They are trying to play diversionary politics,” one source familiar with the matter claimed.
Whether by coincidence or design, the release has shifted public attention, at least temporarily, from the growing criticism directed at the authorities.
X ERUPTS IN CELEBRATION
As news of his release spread, Ugandans flooded X with messages of relief, celebration and cautious optimism.Veteran journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga questioned the circumstances under which Tabz reappeared.
“At least Tabz has been dumped at the Central Police Station. So who dumped him?” he posted while tagging Uganda Police.
The question echoed the concerns of many Ugandans who wondered why authorities had remained silent during the five days Tabz’s family and colleagues searched desperately for him.Another X user, Dickens Okello Honeystraw, confirmed the charges against the journalist.
“Tabz charged with ‘Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information and Unlawful Disclosure or Obtaining of Personal Data.’ Released on bond. To report on June 29.”Dorothy Nalumansi welcomed the development but reminded Ugandans that many others remain unaccounted for.
“Thank God Tabz has been given a police bond!”Her message was echoed by thousands of social media users who described the release as encouraging but incomplete justice.
One widely shared post captured the mixed emotions many Ugandans appeared to feel.”Tabz is back. You probably feel relieved and heard, but the other part of you is scared to accept these feelings. It tells you this is one of the many abductions; more are to come. The truth is that Tabz is out. Let us be happy a life has been returned. Tomorrow we embark on asking the whereabouts of those still missing.”
The post quickly gained traction as many users agreed that while celebrating Tabz’s freedom was important, attention should remain focused on other missing Ugandans.
A SOCIAL MEDIA FORCE
Beyond his work as Bobi Wine’s personal photographer, Tabz has built a significant online following through investigative reporting, political commentary and real-time documentation of opposition activities.His social media platforms have become a key source of information for many young Ugandans following opposition politics.
His disappearance therefore triggered an immediate online campaign under various hashtags demanding his unconditional release.Human rights activists, journalists and ordinary citizens repeatedly questioned why security agencies failed to acknowledge his whereabouts for several days.
For many supporters, his return represents more than the release of one individual—it has become a symbol of resilience in the face of growing pressure on journalists and opposition activists.
QUESTIONS REMAIN
Despite his release, several questions remain unanswered.
Where exactly was Tabz held for the five days?
Which security agency was responsible for his detention?
Why did authorities allegedly deny knowledge of his whereabouts before eventually producing him at CPS?
Neither police nor security agencies have publicly explained the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
His supporters also say he requires medical attention following his detention, although the extent of his condition has not been disclosed.NUP leaders insist they will continue demanding accountability while pushing for the release of others still missing.
For now, however, friends, family and supporters are simply grateful that one of their own has returned alive.
As one X user summed it up:
“Today we celebrate Tabz. Tomorrow we continue asking where the others are.”
Whether his release marks a shift in the handling of politically sensitive arrests or was merely a calculated tactical decision remains to be seen.
What is certain is that Tabz’s five-day disappearance has once again ignited debate over enforced disappearances, freedom of the press and the treatment of opposition supporters in Uganda.And although he is now out on police bond, the criminal charges hanging over him ensure that his legal battle—and the political debate surrounding his arrest—is far from over.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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