Former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi Muhammad has resurfaced at Nateete Police Station after spending more than two weeks incommunicado following his arrest by unidentified security operatives. His sudden reappearance has brought relief to his family, lawyers and supporters, while also raising fresh questions about where he was being held and what happened during his disappearance.
According to information from sources, Kivumbi was dropped at Nateete Police Station on Wednesday morning by unknown state operatives. The circumstances surrounding his arrival remain unclear, and there has been no official explanation from the security agencies regarding where he had been or why he was allegedly held without communication for such a long period.
Uganda Radio Network (URN) reported that it was unable to independently verify how Kivumbi ended up at the police station or whether he would immediately be presented before a court of law. As of Wednesday morning, there had also been no official statement confirming the reasons behind his transfer to the police station.
Kivumbi went missing on July 9, 2026, shortly after he had secured bail on terrorism charges before the International Crimes Division of the High Court. According to reports, he was re-arrested by unidentified security operatives moments after leaving court, after which his whereabouts became unknown.
His disappearance attracted widespread public attention and concern from human rights activists, opposition supporters and members of the legal fraternity. Many questioned why he could not be located despite repeated demands for information from security agencies.
During the period of his disappearance, Kivumbi’s lawyers and family members filed an application before the High Court seeking a writ of habeas corpus. They asked the court to compel security agencies to produce him before court or disclose where he was being held, arguing that he had been detained without access to his family or legal team.
The case sparked renewed debate over enforced disappearances and prolonged detention without communication. Rights advocates maintained that every suspect is entitled to constitutional protections, including access to lawyers, family members and the courts regardless of the charges they face.
Kivumbi’s unexpected appearance at Nateete Police Station is likely to intensify calls for answers from the authorities. His legal team is expected to seek explanations about the circumstances of his detention and whether his constitutional rights were respected during the period he was missing.
It also remains unclear whether Kivumbi will face fresh charges or whether he will be returned to court in connection with the terrorism case for which he had earlier obtained bail. Authorities had not provided an official update on his legal status by Wednesday morning.
As Ugandans continue to follow the developing story, many are waiting for both the government and Kivumbi’s lawyers to provide more details about what happened during the more than two weeks he spent out of public view. His reappearance marks a major development in a case that has attracted significant national attention and renewed discussions about due process and the rule of law.
