By KT Reporter
Concerned family members, political activists, and human rights defenders have filed an urgent petition with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, demanding an immediate investigation into the forced disappearance, illegal military arrest, and incommunicado detention of Sam Mugumya, a political aspirant and member of the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF).
Mugumya, who is eyeing the Rukungiri municipality parliamentary seat in the upcoming general elections, was reportedly arrested by military operatives in Mbarara on August 26, 2025. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown. Mugumya’s mother, Ednansi Katungwensi, says the family does not know if he is safe.
Other petitioners include James Ssuuna, John Owor Masanja from Freedom Hive Uganda, Aloikin Praise Opoloje from We the People Uganda, Mbabazi Keeza from Social Justice, Edmund Ayesigwa from We the People, David Onyango, a carpenter activist, and Claire Namara.
The petition expresses grave concern over violations of Mugumya’s constitutional and human rights, including his right to personal liberty, protection from torture, and access to a fair hearing, all guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights instruments.
“Mugumya Sam’s continued incommunicado detention in a military facility—although denied by security operatives—and his forced disappearance for over a month raises serious concerns about his physical and psychological well-being. The military detention facility at Mbuya, notorious for torturing government critics, amplifies the urgency of this petition,” the filing reads.
The petitioners, led by Opoloje, demand that the Commission compel security operatives to disclose Mugumya’s current condition, location, and reasons for detention, and grant immediate access to his family, lawyers, and medical personnel. They also call for protective measures to ensure his safety and prevent further harassment.
The petition follows earlier legal actions. On August 28, 2025, Mugumya’s lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus compelling the government to produce him before the High Court Civil Division. On September 5, Justice Collins Acellam ordered the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security, and other agencies to produce Mugumya within seven days or show lawful cause. The agencies failed to comply.
On September 12, the UPDF formally denied holding Mugumya. Lt. Col. Edgar Musasizi submitted an affidavit stating Mugumya had not been in military custody, a claim contested by his lawyers, led by Kakuru Tumusiime, who argued the arrest violated Articles 23(9) and 44(d) of the Constitution, protecting against arbitrary detention and guaranteeing due process.
Justice Acellam emphasized the constitutional importance of habeas corpus in safeguarding personal liberty, stating: “Considering that no evidence has been produced as to whether the applicant is legally detained and was arraigned before a competent court, I find it imperative that his personal liberty is preserved and protected by any means possible.”
Mugumya is known for his political activism, having served as Secretary General of the FDC Youth League and co-founding the Activists for Change (A4C) group. He rose to prominence during the 2011 Walk to Work protests, often appearing alongside opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
In 2014, Mugumya was arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo on charges of illegal entry and plotting rebellion, detained for eight years, and released in October 2022, returning to Uganda. Mugumya’s former mentor, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is currently on remand at Luzira Prison, facing treason charges following his arrest in Kenya in November 2024.
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