Court orders government probe into ex-MP Muwanga Kivumbi's whereabouts

The High Court in Kampala has directed the Ugandan government to conclude its investigation into the whereabouts of former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. This order comes as the court considers Kivumbi's application for a writ of habeas corpus, which seeks his production and unconditional release. Justice Collins Acellam mandated that the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General must submit an affidavit within seven days detailing the findings of their investigation.

Kivumbi's lawyers filed the application under the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act and the Judicature (Habeas Corpus) Rules. They contend that unidentified armed men, allegedly assisted by police officers, abducted Kivumbi on July 10, 2026, near Mpigi. The arrest occurred shortly after Kivumbi was granted bail by the High Court. His legal team asserts that the operatives failed to identify themselves, did not present a warrant, and have held Kivumbi incommunicado, denying him access to family, lawyers, and medical care.

According to court records, Kivumbi, a civilian and former legislator, had secured Shs10 million cash bail two days prior to his alleged abduction. He was granted bail along with 16 co-accused in a terrorism case related to an attack on Kibibi Police Station and violence in Butambala District during the January 2026 general elections. Kivumbi had spent approximately six months on remand before being released on bail.

The respondents, including the Uganda Police Force, have denied any involvement in Kivumbi's disappearance. An affidavit from Assistant Commissioner of Police Godwin Tumugumye stated that the police did not arrest or detain Kivumbi and that no records indicate his custody. While acknowledging that Kivumbi's vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint, the police maintain that their investigations found no evidence linking the force to his disappearance. Kivumbi's brother, Hajji Musa Lutaaya, testified in court that police officers at the checkpoint assisted military personnel in forcing Kivumbi into another vehicle, driving him to an unknown destination.

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The matter was adjourned to July 29, 2026, for further hearing.