The Lugbara Cultural Institution has welcomed the court appearance of Dr Lina Zedriga, the Deputy President for Northern Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), following weeks of uncertainty over her whereabouts, but has urged government authorities to account for other Lugbara individuals who remain missing.
Dr Zedriga, 68, appeared on February 6, before the Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Augustine Alule, where she was charged with inciting violence contrary to Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act. She was remanded until February 17.
According to the prosecution, Dr Zedriga is accused of inciting members of the public to commit acts of violence against supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) based on their political opinion. The alleged offences are said to have occurred in December 2025 across several districts in Northern Uganda, including Gulu, Amuru, Omoro and Nwoya. The charges were preferred by police at Aswa West Police Station under Police Charge Gulu CRB 068/2026 and sanctioned on February 6, 2026.
Her appearance in court comes after nearly a month during which her whereabouts were unknown, triggering anxiety among her family, supporters and the wider community, and sparking political tension in the region. During her absence, NUP leaders repeatedly alleged that Dr Zedriga had been abducted by security agencies and detained at an undisclosed location—claims that the government and the military denied.
Speaking on behalf of the Lugbara community, the Lugbara Prime Minister, Ismail Tuku, said the institution was relieved that Dr Zedriga had resurfaced and was now within the formal judicial process.
“We are glad that our daughter has finally been presented before court. Her prolonged absence caused deep anxiety among her family and the Lugbara community at large,” Tuku said.
However, Tuku used the occasion to renew calls for clarity regarding other Lugbara individuals who have disappeared under unclear circumstances and have never been traced. He specifically mentioned Yiacia Stanley and Rashid Angualibo as among those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
He also referenced earlier unresolved cases, including that of Yetiya Tom from Marachakla and Angulubo from Waringa, noting that their disappearances continue to weigh heavily on the community.
Tuku explained that within Lugbara culture, disappearances are traditionally attributed to identifiable causes such as accidents, natural disasters, crime, or, in the case of a mature woman, marriage. He stressed that Dr Zedriga’s extended absence went far beyond what would be culturally acceptable for determining any such explanation.
Meanwhile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied any involvement in the disappearance of Dr Zedriga or other opposition figures. The Acting Defence Public Information Officer, Chris Magezi, said the army was not aware of any formally reported cases involving missing members of the National Unity Platform.
“The army is not aware of any formally reported cases regarding missing NUP members,” Magezi said, urging the opposition to pursue recognised security and judicial channels. He dismissed the allegations as unfounded, describing claims of missing party members as “a wave of drama.”
