KIVUMBI FOUND AFTER 19 DAYS: NUP erupts as opposition leader surfaces at Nateete Police after security agencies denied holding him. Habeas corpus case exposes fresh battle over detention, human rights and rule of law

Former Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, resurfaced Wednesday morning at Nateete Police Station after spending 19 days incommunicado, ending a tense period of uncertainty that had triggered political uproar, court action and demands for accountability from opposition leaders and human rights activists.

Kivumbi’s reappearance came shortly after his lawyers and NUP officials had gone to the High Court in Kampala to follow up on a habeas corpus application seeking orders compelling security agencies to produce him before court or explain his whereabouts.

His lawyer, Samuel Muyizzi, confirmed that the former legislator had been located at Nateete Police Station, although details surrounding his detention remained unclear.

The development immediately triggered mixed reactions from NUP leaders, with party officials welcoming news of his discovery but questioning why security agencies had for weeks denied having him in custody.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said party officials were at the High Court when they received information that Kivumbi had been taken to Nateete Police Station.

“While we were at the High Court to follow up his Habeas Corpus application, we were informed that Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi was dumped this morning at Nateete Police,” Rubongoya said.

“On reaching there, we’ve been informed he’s being taken to court in Butambala, and haven’t gotten the opportunity to see him yet. After 19 days of incommunicado detention,” he added.

The NUP secretary general accused security agencies of denying knowledge of Kivumbi’s whereabouts despite repeated demands from his lawyers, family and party leaders.

Ssenyonyi Questions Police Denials

Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Kivumbi’s disappearance and eventual appearance.

Ssenyonyi said NUP leaders had gone to the High Court to follow up on the habeas corpus case after police and military authorities repeatedly denied holding the opposition politician.

“This morning, we were at the High Court to follow up on the application for a writ of habeas corpus for Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi,” Ssenyonyi said.

He explained that during the court proceedings, government lawyers had indicated that police leadership had given them information suggesting they had a lead on Kivumbi’s whereabouts.

“Last week, police denied knowledge of his whereabouts, the UPDF has now also denied the same. The Attorney General’s team told court that police leadership had given them an indication that they have a lead as to where he might be,” Ssenyonyi said.

He added that NUP officials later learnt Kivumbi had been taken to Nateete Police Station but were informed he had already been transferred to Butambala.

“We continue to ask, where is Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi?” Ssenyonyi said before confirmation emerged that he had been located.

High Court Habeas Corpus Case Adjourned

The High Court had been handling an application seeking the production of Kivumbi following claims that he had been abducted and detained without access to his lawyers.

NUP leaders, including Ssenyonyi, Rubongoya and lawyer Sam Muyizzi, appeared before court seeking answers from security agencies.

The court adjourned the matter to Thursday, July 30, 2026, when it is expected to deliver a ruling on the habeas corpus application.The case had attracted attention because of conflicting statements from security institutions.

For nearly three weeks, the Uganda Police Force maintained that Kivumbi was not in their custody, while UPDF officials similarly denied holding him.

The denials intensified accusations from opposition supporters who claimed the politician had been subjected to an enforced disappearance.Security agencies, however, rejected the allegations, insisting that they operate within the law and that individuals suspected of criminal offences are handled through established legal procedures.

Arrest Linked to Controversial Speech

Kivumbi’s latest detention followed his dramatic re-arrest shortly after he was granted bail in an earlier treason-related case.

Security agencies accused him of making inflammatory remarks targeting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.Authorities said the statements made during a political gathering amounted to incitement and threatened national security.

His supporters, however, argued that the government was using criminal charges to suppress political dissent.The renewed arrest became a flashpoint between the ruling government and the opposition, with NUP insisting that Kivumbi’s detention violated his constitutional rights.

A Case Beyond Kivumbi

Kivumbi’s case has become part of a wider debate about Uganda’s human rights record, rule of law and treatment of opposition politicians.Political observers say the timing of his reappearance is significant as Uganda seeks to strengthen its international image amid major diplomatic ambitions.

The country is currently promoting veteran diplomat Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s bid for the United Nations Secretary-General position, a campaign that requires strong international goodwill.

Analysts argue that while Uganda has made progress in areas such as containing public health challenges, including the recent declaration that the country is Ebola-free, questions around political freedoms and civil liberties continue to influence international perceptions.

Political analyst Dr Grace Nabbulo said Uganda would likely take steps aimed at improving its global image.

“Uganda is going to do all possible things to make sure the travel advisory slapped on the country gets back to Level Two,” Dr Nabulo said.

“We are going to see most political prisoners released on bond,” he added.According to Dr Nabulo, international partners increasingly consider governance issues, human rights and adherence to legal processes when assessing relations with countries.

Government Faces Pressure Over Transparency

The circumstances surrounding Kivumbi’s 19-day disappearance have renewed calls for greater transparency from security agencies.Human rights advocates argue that suspects should either be formally charged within the timeframe provided by law or be released.

They say prolonged detention without clear communication creates suspicion and undermines public confidence in state institutions.Government officials have maintained that Uganda’s security agencies respect constitutional procedures and that political leaders are not above the law.

They argue that investigations into alleged criminal conduct must be allowed to proceed without interference.

Political Fallout

For NUP, Kivumbi’s appearance provides relief but does not end concerns over how he was handled.Party leaders insist the central question remains why police and military authorities denied holding him for nearly three weeks.

The opposition says the case highlights what it describes as a pattern of arrests, detentions and prosecutions targeting government critics.The government, however, maintains that law enforcement actions are based on evidence and not political affiliation.

As Kivumbi faces possible court proceedings, attention will now shift to whether prosecutors will formally charge him and what evidence they will present.

For now, the former MP is no longer missing, but the controversy surrounding his detention has opened fresh debate over Uganda’s balance between national security, political freedoms and constitutional rights.

Author Profile

Stephen Kasozi Muwambi: Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]