The family of embattled Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lawrence Muganga have demanded to know their relative is being held and also be allowed to access him.
Dr. Muganga was on Thursday morning forcefully arrested from his office at Victoria University in Kampala.
According to the family, Dr Muganga was arrested alongside his security detail and his Executive Secretary.
The UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso said Dr. Muganga was arrested by Joint security forces in connection with espionage and illegal stay in the country.
“Social media reports that Vice Chancellor Victoria University Dr Lawrence Muganga was kidnapped are false. He was arrested by joint Security Forces in connection with espionage and illegal stay in the country. Investigations into the matter have commenced,” she said.
But in a Press conference held at Serena hotel in Kampala this morning the family led by Dr. Muganga’s lead lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde, said Muganga is a Ugandan born in Masaka, and holds a Ugandan National ID as well as a Canadian passport. They add that his mother is still alive residing in Uganda.
“The UPDF, spokesperson Brig. Flavia Byekwaso yesterday came and lied to the nation in her tweet following the brutal kidnap of Dr. muganga when she alleged that Dr. Is being accused of illegal stay in Uganda, this is not true how does a Ugandan overstay in his own country,” Ssemakadde asked.
Dr. Muganga’s, younger sister, Hellen Batamuriza said Muganga is a Ugandan he holds a National Identity Card, under NIN, CM7603210KACCG.
She said what happened was a frackas of events and chaos which has left them confused and in doubt of his health and safety.
“We as a family are requesting to see our person then we raise it from there, we just need to know his condition and whereabout,” Batamuriza said.
The family asked government to come out and explain why Muganga was arrested in such a humiliating manner.
The Mugangas lawyer Ssemakade said the government should make a formal Statement to the family, staff of Victoria University and the public.
Muganga’s long time friend and colleague in the Abavandimwe Council Frank Gashumba said they have been at different Detention facilities but they have failed to find Muganga.
She says they have hope in government and president Museveni and they hope he will be released without any physical or emotional torture.
