Drone Van Snatches Councillor Outside Nakawa Court

Security agents grabbed two people outside Nakawa court on Wednesday after opposition leader Kizza Besigye appeared for his treason case. Men dressed as regular citizens forced the victims into a white Toyota van parked across from the courthouse. The judge postponed Besigye's trial until May 29 next year. Crowds watched as plainclothed officers bundled the two men away. The van drove quickly toward military intelligence headquarters.

Harold Kaija from the Patriotic Front for Freedom said one victim was Katongole, a local councillor from Kira Division. Witnesses claim Katongole had fought earlier with court attendees over a suspected government spy taking photos. The councillor and his friend were singing anti-government songs outside the building. They chanted that President Museveni and his son would lose power. Counter-terrorism officers at the court tried to follow the van but failed.

Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza called the arrests illegal and designed to scare people. He said courts should protect citizens rather than become places where security forces arrest people. White vans have become symbols of government oppression against political opponents. Courts have ordered these kidnappings to stop, but enforcement remains weak.