The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate who was set to be nominated for Bukedea Woman MP but unexpectedly went missing has dismissed allegations from her party leadership and public speculation that she was kidnapped.
In a video widely circulated on social media, Florence Asio, who was running against the incumbent MP and Speaker of Parliament Anitah Annet Among, stated that she was never kidnapped.
Asio explained that her decision to withdraw from the race was made on short notice due to pressure from her family.
The NUP flag bearer was expected to appear for nomination but failed to show up, paving the way for Among to be declared unopposed.
Her disappearance raised concerns among party leaders, who alleged that she had been kidnapped—claims Asio later refuted.
“I am here to dispel the rumors that I was kidnapped by the Right Honorable Speaker Annet Anitah Among, as my party has alleged. I want to make it clear to everyone that I was not kidnapped,” she said.
Asio emphasized that her absence was a result of family pressure, noting her close relationship with the Speaker.
“Being the daughter of the Speaker, I faced intense family pressure to withdraw. My decision to contest came on short notice, and my family was not aware of it. It came as a shock to them on the day of my unveiling. That’s when the pressure started mounting. Initially, I didn’t take it seriously, but eventually, I couldn’t handle it anymore. Thank you all for your understanding,” she added.
Following Asio’s withdrawal, Anitah Among was declared the elected Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament for the 12th Parliament after being nominated unopposed.
