The controversy surrounding the alleged “kidnapping” of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Asio Florence has taken an unexpected twist after Asio herself came forward to deny the claims.
In a video statement released on Sunday evening, October 26, Asio who had been reported missing days before her nomination stated clearly that she was not abducted, contrary to earlier allegations by her party.
“My name is Asio Florence, the NUP flag bearer for Bukedea District Woman MP. I wish to categorically make it clear that I was not kidnapped as alleged by my party leadership. My decision not to appear for nomination came out of family pressure being that I am the daughter of the Right Honourable Speaker Anita Annet Among,” she said.
Her remarks came after NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), had accused Speaker Anita Among of being behind Asio’s disappearance. On October 23, Bobi Wine’s post alleged that “unknown armed persons” had intimidated Asio’s family to force her out of the race sparking outrage and widespread online debate.
The party further released an emotional audio clip purportedly featuring Asio in distress, claiming she was “still undergoing trauma.” For days, the story dominated headlines and social media conversations.
However, Asio’s calm and composed clarification has now upended that narrative. She explained that her decision to contest under the opposition party came as a surprise to her family, leading to immense internal pressure.
“My intentions to contest came in on short notice, and my family was not aware. It came as a shock on the day of my unveiling. That’s when the pressure started mounting. I didn’t take it seriously at first, but I couldn’t hold it anymore,” she said.
Asio’s revelation has left NUP in a tight spot, with neither Bobi Wine nor the party spokesperson issuing a formal response as of late Sunday.
Reactions online have been sharply divided with some accusing NUP of spreading unverified claims, while others empathize with Asio for being caught between family ties and political ambition.
Meanwhile, Speaker Anita Among, who was previously accused of masterminding the “kidnap,” has remained silent. Sources close to her reportedly describe the development as “vindication by truth.”
It should be noted that Anita Among has since been declared unopposed by the Electoral Commission after no other aspirant showed up for nominations in the Bukedea Woman MP race.
