Muwanga Kivumbi Appears at Nateete Police After 19 Days of Disappearance

The prolonged absence of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, which began on July 10, concluded with his appearance at Nateete Police Station. This development followed a period of intense search by his family, legal team, and supporters, who had sought answers through court proceedings, including a habeas corpus application.

Kivumbi, also the Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Buganda Region, was reportedly intercepted near Mpigi Police Station while travelling with his brother. His family alleged he was taken by security personnel and held incommunicado for 19 days, with further claims of mistreatment and transfer to Bombo Military Hospital.

However, both the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) denied any knowledge of Kivumbi’s detention in affidavits filed in response to the habeas corpus application. This created a complex legal situation for the High Court, which was struggling to order the production of a person whose holding authority remained unknown.

Justice Collins Acellam had previously given security agencies seven days to investigate and report on Kivumbi’s whereabouts. As that period neared its end, Kivumbi surfaced at Nateete Police Station. He was subsequently taken to Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he faces charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.

The exact circumstances surrounding his disappearance and reappearance remain unclear. This saga has raised concerns among opposition supporters regarding the treatment of political figures, and security agencies are likely to face further scrutiny over the events leading up to Kivumbi’s 19-day absence. The National Unity Platform confirmed his appearance at Nateete Police and subsequent court appearance, expressing relief but noting he had been held incommunicado for the duration.