Lugbara Kari Cultural Institution has expressed deep concern over the alleged abduction of Dr. Lina Zedriga, the Deputy Vice President of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Dr. Zedriga went missing a day after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on January 15, 2026, reportedly taken from her home in Kampala by plain-clothed armed men.
Earlier reports suggested she was in military custody in Gulu, but police and army officials have since denied holding her and say they do not know her whereabouts. Dr. Zedriga, who is married in Vurra County, Arua District, was last seen at her home while the NUP presidential candidate was campaigning in Arua.
Following Dr. Zedriga’s continued disappearance, her family and the cultural Chief ‘Opi’ of Vurra Nayon Adroni, into whose family she married, have been thrown into anxiety, appealing for her release or presentation in courts of law.Rt. Hon. Ismail Tuku, Prime Minister of Lugbara Kari, said in a joint press briefing on Thursday that the institution is perturbed by Dr. Lina’s continued disappearance.
Martha Tiko, Minister for Lands and Environment, Lugbara Kari, said Dr. Zedriga’s continued abduction and disappearance is creating worry, especially among women, and appealed for help to locate and rescue her from her captors.
Similarly, Jaffer Alekua, Clerk to Council, Lugbara Cultural Institution, said the continued disappearance of Dr. Zedriga has inflicted extreme pain in Lugbara Kari, calling for her release.
Anzelo Pati, Cultural Leader of Maracha and Lugbara Agofe designate, said the institution appeals to the government to hear the cry of the Lugbara people and find Dr. Lina Zedriga to avoid further anxiety.
The cultural leaders also raised concern over the disappearance of Stanley Yiacia, a UPC supporter in ,Arua reportedly abducted during a delegates’ meeting in Lira, and Saidi Angulibo, a human rights activist from Aringa, Yumbe, whose whereabouts have remained unknown after he was reportedly abducted from his home more than a year ago.
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