NUP Deputy President Lina Zedriga Appears in Gulu Court After Disappearance.
Story By Okello Patrick|NGUNAGULU.COM
Chief Magistrate Charges Zedriga with Inciting Violence, Remanded Until February 17
GULU, UGANDA — Dr. Lina Zedriga, Deputy President for Northern Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), made her first public appearance in nearly a month today. She appeared before Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gulu. There, she faced charges of inciting violence.
Inciting Violence Charges
The prosecution claims that, in December 2025, Dr. Zedriga incited violence in multiple districts across Northern Uganda. Specifically, she allegedly urged the public to attack supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) based on their political views. Authorities filed the charges under Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act. In addition, police began the investigation at Aswa West Police Station, and they formally recognized the case as Police Charge Gulu CRB 068/2026, which was sanctioned on February 6, 2026. Following today’s hearing, the court remanded Dr. Zedriga until February 17, 2026.
Disappearance Sparks Outrage
Zedriga’s court appearance follows weeks of heightened political tension. Her sudden disappearance ahead of the presidential elections left the public uncertain of her whereabouts. In fact, NUP leaders argued that the military had abducted her and detained her in a secret facility. This disappearance, as a result, fueled widespread concern. In response to the situation, regional leaders, particularly from the West Nile region, demanded urgent answers from the government.
Community’s Emotional Plea
Zedriga’s prolonged absence deeply affected her community. As a result, Ismail Tuku, the Lugbara Prime Minister, voiced the distress felt by her family and the wider Lugbara people. He further pointed out that this case mirrored previous disappearances, such as those of Yetiya Tom and Angulubo. These individuals, too, vanished under similarly mysterious circumstances. According to Lugbara cultural norms, such disappearances are only acceptable within certain periods, which, in turn, further heightened the community’s anxiety.
Government Denies Involvement
In response to these growing allegations, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have denied any involvement in Zedriga’s disappearance. Chris Magezi, the Acting Defence Public Information Officer, rejected the claims as unfounded. He emphasized, furthermore, that no official reports of missing NUP members had been filed with the military. Magezi urged the opposition party, therefore, to pursue legal channels and resolve the issue through proper security and judicial processes.
Political Tensions Intensify
Dr. Zedriga’s sudden appearance in court will likely reignite national debates on enforced disappearances, the conduct of security agencies during election periods, and the narrowing political space for opposition parties in Uganda. As the legal proceedings unfold, the country, consequently, awaits the next steps in this high-profile case.
http://NUP Deputy President Lina Zedriga Appears in Gulu Court
