The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied having any knowledge of the whereabouts of opposition activist Sam Mugumya, according to a response filed in court. Mugumya, a longtime aide to opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was reportedly abducted on 28th August in Mbarara by armed men.
Despite the UPDF’s denial, eyewitnesses claim to have seen men dressed in UPDF uniforms forcibly taking Mugumya into a vehicle. These conflicting accounts have deepened public concern and fueled debates about potential politically motivated abductions.
The case has sparked national attention after Mugumya’s family filed a habeas corpus application, demanding that the government produce him dead or alive. As the court examines the matter, the UPDF insists it has no information about his location.
Observers and human rights activists have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the case. Many argue that whether or not the military is involved, the government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens and provide answers to families of missing persons.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the abduction was swift, with Mugumya being bundled into a vehicle in full view of bystanders. These reports have circulated widely on social media, intensifying public scrutiny of security agencies and their role in protecting—or failing to protect—opposition figures.
The incident has also sparked fears of a recurring pattern, as Uganda has a history of politically connected disappearances. Critics warn that failing to clarify Mugumya’s whereabouts could set a dangerous precedent, undermining public trust in state institutions.
As investigations continue, Mugumya’s family and supporters are calling for urgent action. They demand that authorities locate him and provide answers, emphasizing that no citizen should be subjected to enforced disappearance without accountability or recourse.
