Concern is mounting over the disappearance of Ugandan journalist Eria Jengo, who has been missing since September 10, when he was reportedly abducted by unidentified individuals while returning to his workplace in Kampala. More than a month later, his family and colleagues are still waiting for answers about his whereabouts and safety.
Jengo works as a crime reporter for Baba TV. According to the broadcaster’s head of news, Joel Kafuko, Jengo left the office around midday to buy lunch and was returning to the newsroom in the Ntinda suburb of Kampala when several people in an unmarked vehicle intercepted him and forced him inside.
Jengo reportedly left his personal belongings, including his phone and laptop, at the office.
Phocus Luyobya, Baba TV’s program director, told NTV Uganda that two vehicles were involved in the incident, including a Toyota Noah. Such vehicles have become known locally as “drones,” a nickname associated with their use in alleged abductions and the speed with which people are taken away. The BBC has previously reported on the use of these vehicles in Uganda.
Fears Over Enforced Disappearances in Uganda
Jengo’s disappearance has renewed concerns about allegations of enforced disappearances and unlawful detention involving Ugandan security forces.
Human Rights Watch has previously accused Uganda’s Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force of involvement in the illegal detention of more than 100 people, some of whom reportedly died following torture. Other cases of missing individuals remain unresolved, including those highlighted in Ugandan media reports.
The Uganda Journalists Association has filed a complaint with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, describing Jengo’s case as an enforced disappearance allegedly involving suspected security operatives.
Jengo has worked at Baba TV for more than four years, primarily reporting on security-related issues. His recent coverage included Uganda’s military cooperation with Rwanda and Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka’s appearance before a parliamentary committee.
Kafuko told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that he was unaware of any threats, complaints, or warnings connected to Jengo’s reporting.
Family Still Waiting for Answers
Jengo’s partner, Catherine Taidhkwiza, told CPJ that a second phone belonging to Jengo was missing from their shared home and had been switched off. She also said police had not provided updates on efforts to trace the device.
CPJ reported that it had contacted government spokesperson Alan Kasujja and Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson Rachael Kawala for comment on October 9 through a messaging application but had received no response.
Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, expressed growing concern about Jengo’s prolonged disappearance and called on Ugandan authorities to establish his whereabouts, credibly confirm his safety, and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The lack of information about Jengo’s fate has left his family, colleagues, and the wider journalism community without clarity about what happened to him.
Free Press Alliance: Authorities Must Establish Jengo’s Whereabouts
At Free Press Alliance, we are deeply concerned by the disappearance of journalist Eria Jengo and call on Ugandan authorities to urgently establish his whereabouts, confirm that he is safe, and conduct a credible investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance.
When a journalist disappears under circumstances suggesting a possible abduction, authorities have a duty to investigate promptly, provide information to the family, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Any allegations involving security personnel must be examined independently and transparently.
Journalists who report on crime, security, and government affairs must be able to carry out their work without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or disappearance. The absence of answers in Jengo’s case raises serious concerns about journalist safety and the protection of fundamental rights in Uganda.
Free Press Alliance stands with Jengo’s family and colleagues in their demand for answers. We urge the authorities to act without delay and ensure that his disappearance does not become another unresolved case. Protecting journalists is essential to safeguarding press freedom and the public’s right to know.