Uganda’s opposition is raising alarm over the disappearance of former Butambala County MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who was reportedly intercepted by security operatives after securing bail.
The opposition fears a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances outside legal channels.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has voiced serious concerns in Parliament regarding the unaccounted-for whereabouts of former Butambala County MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. Kivumbi was allegedly intercepted by armed security operatives in a vehicle known as a “drone” on July 14, 2026, just a day after he was granted bail.
Ssenyonyi stated that since his apprehension, neither Kivumbi’s family nor his political colleagues have been able to ascertain his location.
This situation has prompted the opposition to warn of a potential pattern of enforced disappearances in Uganda, operating outside the established legal framework.
“From Friday up to today, Tuesday, his family and we, his colleagues, have been looking for him. We do not know where Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is,” Ssenyonyi told the House.
He emphasized that Article 23 of the Constitution clearly outlines the procedures for arrest and detention, stipulating that individuals must be informed of the reasons for their arrest, detained in lawful places, and produced in court within 48 hours.
Ssenyonyi also stressed that only courts, not security agencies, have the authority to determine criminal liability based on public statements.
This incident draws parallels with previous cases, including the rearrests of former MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana outside Kigo Prison in 2021 after their bail, and the arrest of former MP Paul Akamba within court precincts in 2024.
In response, Attorney General Sam Mayanja assured Parliament that the government would investigate and present a detailed report, reaffirming commitment to constitutionalism.
“Tomorrow is not far. We shall return before Parliament with all the facts and ensure that the Constitution, which we all swore to protect, is indeed protected,” he stated.
