Veteran Analyst Timothy Kalyegira Missing, Phones Off

Veteran political analyst Timothy Kalyegira is reportedly missing, sparking significant concern among his colleagues, neighbours, and family. Kalyegira, a well-regarded columnist for the Daily Monitor and a digital data researcher, has not been seen since Friday.

Residents of Butenga Estate in Kira, where Kalyegira resides, alerted neighbours via a WhatsApp group on Sunday about his disappearance. His mobile phones are said to be switched off, and attempts by his family and associates to contact him have been unsuccessful.

Charles Mwanguhya, a journalist and longtime friend, confirmed he last spoke to Kalyegira on Friday, which also happened to be the columnist’s birthday. Several journalists at Daily Monitor have also expressed inability to reach their colleague.

Kalyegira is known for his sharp, independent political analysis and has often been critical of government policies. His recent activity on X, formerly Twitter, included commentary on an online exchange between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and opposition leader Bobi Wine, where Kalyegira assessed Bobi Wine as significantly outperforming Kainerugaba in the debate.

This reported disappearance occurs during a sensitive period for Uganda’s media landscape. It follows the recent closure of Nation Media Group Uganda’s broadcast and print operations by security operatives over the weekend. Additionally, reports have emerged about the detention of former government critic Miria Matembe.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma had not responded to queries regarding Kalyegira’s whereabouts or potential detention by security agencies by the time of publication. Kalyegira has a history with state authorities, having faced accusations of sedition and criminal libel, and has previously been detained.

While some hope Kalyegira may be engaged in his regular documentary or photography activities and temporarily out of network range, his prolonged silence is considered unusual, given his established reputation as a consistent and outspoken commentator.

This story was published by Nile Post.