Politics 3 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gen. Muhoozi Threatens to "Shoot to Death" Missing Opposition Activist Sam Mugumya
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has issued a chilling threat to kill opposition activist Sam Mugumya, who has been missing since August 2025. The remarks come amid parliamentary pressure for the government to account for Mugumya and other disappeared citizens. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-m-going-to-shoot-him-to-death-gen-muhoozi-threatens-missing-opposition-activist-sam-mugumya-5618510
The public discourse surrounding the disappearance of opposition activist Sam Mugumya has taken a severe turn with a direct threat from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces. Responding to growing concern and parliamentary scrutiny over Mugumya’s whereabouts, Gen. Muhoozi stated on X, “People are feeling sorry for Mugumya’s legs? I’m going to shoot him to death.” This statement dismisses public empathy triggered by recent footage showing Mugumya in a visibly distressed and disabled state.
Mugumya, a former aide to opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was reportedly abducted in Mbarara City on August 26, 2025. Despite an affidavit from Lt Col Edgar Musasizi denying his detention by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), disturbing images have emerged online depicting a frail man, believed to be Mugumya, wearing a ruling party shirt and struggling to walk.
Parliamentary pressure is mounting, with the Leader of Opposition, Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, demanding answers from the government regarding Mugumya and other missing individuals. Citing alleged torture chambers and cases like journalist Eria Jjengo, Mr. Ssenyonyi urged the government to produce any accused persons in court. Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth has mandated the government to present a comprehensive report on the missing persons within two weeks.
Adding to the political tension, veteran minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire warned against state-sanctioned violence and political intolerance, indirectly criticizing Gen. Muhoozi’s approach. Gen. Muhoozi reacted furiously to Otafiire’s remarks, demanding an apology and threatening arrest. The ruling NRM party, through spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo, has denied endorsing abductions or torture, stating that any such actions are individual acts.
As the parliamentary deadline approaches, security agencies have yet to provide official clarification on Mugumya’s status following Gen. Muhoozi’s stark declaration.