Political analyst Leonard Egesa has reportedly been taken by unidentified men from the Radio One premises in Kampala, shortly after appearing on a live radio programme on Friday evening.
Egesa, also known as Ronald Egesa Leonard, was leaving the station’s parking area when the men reportedly intercepted him and drove him away in a white vehicle commonly known as a drone.
The incident happened shortly after his appearance on Akaboozi FM’s live talk show, hosted by Jude Bukenya. Akaboozi FM and Radio One operate from the same premises.
Radio One was among the first media outlets to report the incident, later publishing what it described as CCTV footage capturing the alleged abduction. The station also tagged the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Media Centre, drawing attention to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
News of the incident spread rapidly across social media, with several commentators alleging that the men were security operatives dressed in civilian clothing. However, their identities and the circumstances under which Egesa was taken had not been officially established.
Egesa is a familiar face on Uganda’s broadcast media, regularly appearing on radio and television programmes to discuss politics, governance, business and national affairs.
He has been particularly outspoken on questions of democratic governance, political accountability and human rights, making him a prominent voice in public discussions about the country’s political direction.
His reported disappearance prompted calls from activists, media personalities and members of the public demanding that authorities disclose his whereabouts and explain the circumstances of his detention.
The hashtags #FreeEgesa and #FreeLeonardEgesa also began circulating online as concerns mounted over his safety.
As of Friday night, police and other security agencies had not publicly confirmed his arrest or issued an explanation of the incident.
