Dr. Lina Zedriga, the Deputy President for Northern Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has resurfaced after nearly a month incommunicado and appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gulu this morning.
Dr. Zedriga, 68, was presented before Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule, where she was charged with inciting violence contrary to Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act. She was remanded until February 17.
According to the prosecution, in December 2025, while at various locations across Northern Uganda including Gulu, Amuru, Omoro and Nwoya districts Dr. Zedriga allegedly incited members of the public to commit acts of violence, specifically urging attacks against supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on the basis of their political beliefs.
The charge was preferred by police at Aswa West Police Station under Police Charge Gulu CRB 068/2026 and was sanctioned on February 6, 2026.
Her court appearance follows weeks of uncertainty and mounting political tension after she went missing ahead of polling day in the recent presidential elections.
During her absence, NUP leaders repeatedly alleged that she had been abducted by the military and detained at an undisclosed location claims that sparked national and regional concern.
Leaders from the West Nile region had earlier issued emotional appeals to government authorities demanding answers regarding her whereabouts.
In a related development, the NUP Deputy President for Western Uganda, Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba, has also been produced before court in Kabale and formally charged with incitement to violence.
Tukamushaba was presented in court as the state faced a pending application challenging her continued disappearance and alleged illegal detention.
Her production followed a High Court order directing security agencies, particularly the police, to account for her whereabouts.
According to the charge sheet filed by Uganda Police at Kigezi Police Station, Tukamushaba, 50, was charged with inciting violence contrary to Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Prosecutors allege that in December 2025 and January 2026, at various locations in Western Uganda including Rukiga, Kabale and Rukungiri, she incited the public to attack supporters of the NRM based on their political opinions.
However, the National Unity Platform has dismissed the charges against Tukamushaba as politically motivated and baseless.
She is among at least three NUP deputy presidents reportedly arrested before and after the January 15, 2026 general elections.
By Alex Magala
6th Feb 2026
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