Court Awaits Ruling on Missing MP Muwanga Kivumbi's Whereabouts

Lawyers representing Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi have urged the High Court to compel security agencies to produce the legislator, citing persistent contradictions regarding his detention.

The habeas corpus application seeks an explanation for Kivumbi’s continued disappearance and the legal basis for his alleged holding by state actors.

During a recent court session, the State submitted an affidavit acknowledging Kivumbi’s apprehension at a security checkpoint in Mpigi by a joint security operation. However, the affidavit stated that he is no longer in police custody, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from the MP’s legal team.

“It is rather disturbing. Just four days ago, the Attorney General was clearly stating that the ministers responsible were finding a means of resolving it. Now today, the same Attorney General comes holding another affidavit saying that whereas the police apprehended Honorable Muwanga Kivumbi at Mpigi, they do not have him within their custody,” stated lawyer Samuel Muyizi, expressing frustration over the shifting positions.

Kivumbi’s legal team has reportedly searched various police facilities, including the Criminal Investigations Directorate and Police Headquarters, without success.

Given the lack of a response from the military to the application, Kivumbi’s lawyers suspect he may be in military detention. “The police have been consistent that they don’t have him within their custody. But now that we filed the matter against the military and they have not responded, we believe very strongly that Honorable Muwanga Kivumbi is in the hands of the military,” Muyizi added.

Medard Lubega Sseggona, another member of the defense team, claimed that Kivumbi is receiving treatment at a military health facility, but his family, lawyers, and personal doctor have been denied access. He warned that such disregard for the rule of law could deter investors and harm Uganda’s economy.

MP Kivumbi was granted bail on July 9th after 169 days in remand on terrorism charges. He was reportedly re-arrested the following day near Mpigi, approximately 24 hours after his release. The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the matter soon, while the military has yet to file an official response.

This article is based on information from Nile Post: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358220/court-awaits-ruling-as-state-fails-to-account-for-missing-mp-kivumbi