Vice President Jessica Alupo has assured Parliament that Amuria District Woman MP Margaret Etilu, who has been missing from public view for more than two weeks, will be released and return to Parliament this week.
Alupo made the assurance during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday following mounting concern among legislators, Etilu's family and constituents over her whereabouts.
"I want to assure you that she will be joining us any time this week," Alupo told Members of Parliament, adding that she had met some of the legislator's family members and received assurances regarding her safety.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also confirmed that government authorities know where Etilu is being held.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
"The government knows where Hon. Margaret Etilu is. Her family has been informed, and she is expected to be released soon," Nabbanja told Parliament.
The assurances came after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of the newly elected legislator, who was last seen publicly on May 23.
According to reports, Etilu disappeared shortly after leaving the residence of former Speaker Anita Annet Among in Nakasero, Kampala.
Witness accounts and information from fellow legislators indicated that she was picked up by security operatives after leaving the residence.
Her disappearance occurred amid heightened scrutiny and reported investigations involving some associates of Among.
However, no official statement has linked Etilu to any criminal investigation, and no security agency had publicly acknowledged her detention before government leaders addressed Parliament this week.
The MP's absence sparked concern among members of the Teso Parliamentary Group, who sought clarification from parliamentary leadership regarding her whereabouts and legal status.
Her family and constituents in Amuria District also demanded answers as days passed without communication.
The case attracted criticism from opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who argued that the matter raised broader concerns about human rights, due process and prolonged detention without trial.
Etilu, who was elected on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket and recently took oath as a member of the 12th Parliament, has missed several key parliamentary activities, including the NRM caucus meeting that endorsed parliamentary leaders, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and orientation sessions for newly elected legislators.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
