Missing Uganda opposition aide appears in video after a year

A video has emerged showing an emaciated Sam Mugumya, a former aide to Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, months after his disappearance. Mugumya's family and activists allege state involvement in his abduction, with his mother expressing anger and fear. The emergence of the video coincides with international concerns over a crackdown on Ugandan opposition figures and activists.

Mugumya, 47, was a prominent aide to Besigye and was running for his party. Local media reported his abduction by men linked to security forces in August 2025. The video, showing him visibly emaciated and using a walker, circulated on social media in late July.

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I only saw video showing him destroyed and bony. Since he was kidnapped months ago, I don’t know anything about him or what is happening to him. It is the government that took my son and I am so angry at them. The government is meant to protect us and has turned against us, and worse of all against my son.

"I only saw video showing him destroyed and bony," said his mother, Edinansi Katungwesi. "Since he was kidnapped months ago, I don’t know anything about him or what is happening to him. It is the government that took my son and I am so angry at them. The government is meant to protect us and has turned against us, and worse of all against my son."

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I think the military is responsible for his disappearance, detention incommunicado. I am so angry and alarmed that we are letting impunity in our country get worse and worse.

The army declined to comment, but a source directed AFP to previous remarks by the defense ministry denying Mugumya was in custody. Activist Agather Atuhaire called the situation "appalling and shocking," stating, "I think the military is responsible for his disappearance, detention incommunicado. I am so angry and alarmed that we are letting impunity in our country get worse and worse."

The Uganda Law Society has filed a petition for his release, with Vice President Anthony Asiimwe stating, "If he’s being suspected of committing an offence, let him be produced in court and answer the charges. We cannot continue allowing this kind of lawlessness to take place in this country."

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If he’s being suspected of committing an offence, let him be produced in court and answer the charges. We cannot continue allowing this kind of lawlessness to take place in this country.