By Dean Lubowa Saava
Former Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Charles Twine has been detained by the Special Forces Command (SFC) under unclear circumstances.
According to reliable sources, Twine was summoned to meet with Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, and his deputy, James Ochaya, on Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday night, Twine traveled to meet the police’s top commanders, and by 7:30 am the following day, he had arrived at Naguru Police Headquarters. After appearing before the IGP and his deputy, Twine was handed over to SFC soldiers waiting in a vehicle within the premises.
His colleagues reported that he was driven away to an unknown destination, leaving his vehicle parked at the headquarters. His known telephone contacts have since gone off.
When contacted, UPDF Acting Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi referred inquiries to SFC Spokesperson Maj. Jimmy Omara. “I haven’t got any information regarding Twine’s arrest by our officers. But let me verify, and I will provide the information when I get it,” Maj. Omara said.
The SFC, an elite military brigade tasked with protecting President Yoweri Museveni and key government installations, has faced accusations of being linked to abductions, particularly targeting members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
The recent abduction of NUP President Bobi Wine’s bodyguard, Edward Ssebuwuufu (Eddie Mutwe), who was held incommunicado for several days, has raised concerns about the SFC’s activities.
Twine’s transfer from CID followed the replacement of his superior, Grace Akullo, with Maj. Tom Magambo. The circumstances surrounding Twine’s detention remain unclear, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
