Florence Asio, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer who disappeared hours before her nomination for the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament seat, has dismissed claims that she was kidnapped, saying she withdrew from the race due to family pressure.
In a video released on Sunday evening, Asio clarified that her decision not to appear for nomination was made voluntarily after facing pressure from her family, noting that she is a daughter of the incumbent MP and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
“My decision not to appear on the nomination grounds that day came out of family pressure, being that I am a daughter of the Right Honourable Speaker. So, due to family pressure, I had to pull out,” Asio said.
She further explained that her decision to contest for the parliamentary seat was made hastily and without prior consultation with her family, which, according to her, caused tension at home.
“My intentions to contest came on short notice that my family was not aware of, and it came to them as a shock on the day of my unveiling. That is when the pressure started mounting,” she added.
Her statement followed allegations by NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, who on Saturday claimed that Asio had been kidnapped and that both her family and the party had lost contact with her.
However, the video — reportedly shared by Chris Obore, the Parliament’s Director of Communications, and Joseph Sabiti, an aide to Speaker Among — showed Asio speaking calmly and denying the abduction claims.
“I wish to categorically make it clear to everyone that I was not kidnapped,” Asio emphasized. “I thank you all for listening and appreciate your understanding.”
Following her withdrawal, Speaker Anita Among was declared unopposed for the Bukedea Woman MP seat, sparking debate among opposition supporters who had earlier accused state actors of intimidation.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online, with some questioning the circumstances under which Asio recorded the video, while others welcomed her clarification as an end to the speculation surrounding her disappearance.
