PFF Cries Foul Over Judicial Delays, Makoha's Continued Detention, and Mugumba's Disappearance

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has accused the Ugandan judiciary of deliberately frustrating bail applications for its members, leading to extended periods of detention. The party also highlighted the ongoing imprisonment of Samuel Makoha, its Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and raised alarm over the whereabouts of Samuel Mugumba, a party supporter.

During a press conference in Kampala, PFF acting chairperson Dr. Lulume Bayigga expressed frustration over what he described as “cruel” delays in court processes. He specifically pointed to the case of Elias Lukwago, where a scheduled bail hearing was reportedly disrupted by the absence of a judge, questioning the lack of prior notification.

Dr. Bayigga emphasized the added burden these delays place on detainees and their families, particularly those with health concerns requiring urgent medical attention. He criticized the perceived avoidance of cases involving PFF members by some judicial officers.

Samuel Makoha, arrested in November 2025 on treason charges and committed to the High Court in December of the same year, remains detained at Luzira Maximum Security Prison. Bayigga stated that substantive proceedings in Makoha’s case have yet to commence, and alleged that Makoha faces severe restrictions on communication, access to documents, and interaction with others.

Furthermore, the PFF called for an investigation into the disappearance of Samuel Mugumba. Bayigga alleged that Mugumba, reportedly a victim of torture, may have been subjected to enforced disappearance by elements of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Special Forces Command (SFC). He claimed Mugumba was last seen in a severely weakened state.

The party urged the judiciary to expedite cases involving its members and called upon security agencies to address allegations of torture and restricted access for detainees. At the time of reporting, the judiciary and security agencies had not yet responded to these allegations, and the claims regarding Makoha’s detention and Mugumba’s disappearance could not be independently verified.

Source: Nile Post