President Museveni sanctioned the release of detained Victoria University Vice-Chancellor

Following a public outcry on the manner of arrest of Dr Lawrence Muganga, the Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, it appears President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, intervened and ordered his release.

Preliminary reports indicate that the youthful don was arrested by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) in a manner that has been criticised by human rights activists, members of the public and Dr Muganga’s family as unprofessional and unbefitting.

In a statement, posted on Facebook by outspoken social activist, Frank M. Gashumba soon after the don was release, he confirmed that indeed PResodent Museveni had intervened in the release.

“We would like to thank the media houses i.e NTV Uganda, NBS TV, and other media houses, Facebook community, and everyone else across the various social media platforms who put their voices and power together to push for the eventual release of Dr Lawrence Muganga following his unlawful arrest and detention!,” wrote the fiery Gashumba. 

“We would also like to thank President Museveni for his intervention in the matter that saw the immediate release of Muganga. God bless you all, and God bless and protect our country,” he further said adding: “The power definitely belongs to the people, and none of this would have happened without all your efforts!”

Earlier, Frank Gashumba and a host of other human rights activists led by Human Rights Lawyer and public defender, Isaac Semakadde had addressed a press conference and issued a statement condemning the nature and manner of the arrest.

  “We request the lawful agencies to speedily and fairly investigate the enforced disappearance of Dr Lawrence Muganga and his executive assistant and police attache, and provide much-needed answers to the university community and their respective families. Or else, we will have to use orthodox measures to secure their release and expose the real saboteurs of peace and prosperity in Uganda and the East African Community,” Semakadde said in the statement. 

Earlier the spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Brigadier Flavia Byekwaso had tweeted saying the university don was arrested for alleged espionage and illegal stay in the country. This is despite the professor holding a Ugandan National Identity card and having been born, studied and worked in Uganda before leaving for Canada.

According to family sources, Dr Muganga returned to Uganda at the behest of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.