By Our Reporter
A Ugandan data expert and political activist, Mr. Hamza Kalutte, has fled the country citing threats to his life following what he describes as continued harassment and intimidation from security operatives over his involvement with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Born on October 25, 1095, in Kitooro, Entebbe, Hamza Kalutte has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda’s promising young professional in data science and public health research. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Statistics from Makerere University (2017) and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Data Science at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
A promising Career in Public Health Research.In February 2017, Mr. Kalutte began volunteering at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), one of the country’s leading research institutions. His dedication and skill in managing and analyzing health data earned him a permanent position as a data officer in October 2018.
During his tenure, he designed and managed research databases, conducted statistical analyses using Stata and supported major public health studies in collaboration with both local and international partners.
He also received several professional certificates including: Certificate in Data Management – The Global Health Network (2020)Certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology – Kenya Medical Research Institute (2020)Certificate in Good Clinical Practice- The Global Health Network (2019)Family and Personal LifeIn 2019, while on a field assignment in Jinja District, Mr. Kalutte met his now-partner, Ms. Nalugo Ruquayya, a business woman.
The couple has since been blessed with three children.Political Involvement and Rising Threats Mr. Kalutte is an active supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP), the leading opposition party led by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine. He says his political awakening was inspired by NUP’s calls for democratic reforms, accountability and an end to state brutality.
During the 2021 general elections, he served as a polling agent for Hon. Maria (another name) the NUP flag bearer for Butembe Constituency in Jinja District. He recalls incidents of vote rigging, intimidation and abductions of opposition agents during the polls.
“I narrowly escaped arrest one evening in Jinja after being accused of mobilizing for NUP. That is when I decided to relocate to Kampala for my safety”, he recounted.
His troubles intensified in March 2025 during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, where he participated in civic awareness and vote monitoring activities. Following these elections, several NUP mobilizers and polling officials were reportedly arrested or abducted.
Mr. Hamza Kalutte was later summoned and detained at Wandegeya Police Station, accused of compiling fake election results and inciting chaos. After hours of interrogation, he was released on police bond but warned to stop political activities.
(We need a police refence)After his release, Mr. Kalutte says, he repeated anonymous threats, while security agents began visiting his home. “I was told that if I didn’t keep quiet, I would disappear like others”, he said.
Fearing for his safety, he went into hiding, moving from place to place before finally fleeing Uganda. He is now seeking asylum in the United States, claiming that returning home would put both him and his family in grave danger.
Human rights activities groups have repeatedly condemned the reported cases of abductions, unlawful detentions and torture of opposition supporters in Uganda, particularly those linked to election activities.
Appeal for Protection “I love my country deeply, but my life and family’s safety come first. I hope the international community can understand the plight of ordinary Ugandans who simply seek freedom and justice”, Mr. Hamza Kalutte said in an interview.
As Uganda gears up for 2026 general elections, stories like Mr. Kalutte’s highlight the growing fear among opposition supporters who say state machinery continues to be used to suppress dissent.
