10 Days On: Security forces silent as Muwanga Kivumbi hearing looms

What the report says

The Independent, citing Uganda Radio Network, reported that former Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi remained unaccounted for 11 days after he was intercepted near Mpigi Police Station while travelling to Kampala. The incident came a day after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted him bail on July 10, 2026. Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke told URN that if security agencies had Kivumbi, he would be brought before court at the appropriate time, but police had not formally confirmed holding him.

According to the report, video of the arrest shows uniformed police and plain-clothed operatives stopping Kivumbi’s vehicle, with a police patrol car blocking it and a Toyota Hiace waiting nearby. The footage reportedly shows officers at the scene, including a masked Superintendent of Police identified as Mpigi Police Commander Robert Kuzzala, before plain-clothed operatives removed Kivumbi from the vehicle.

Kivumbi’s lawyer, Samuel Muyizi, said the legal team filed a habeas corpus application at the International Crimes Division after searching police stations in Mpigi and Kampala. The application names Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seeking an order compelling authorities to produce Kivumbi. The Attorney General was granted time to respond, with the matter set for hearing on July 21, 2026.

The report added that National Unity Platform leaders and supporters held prayers at the home of former Butambala Woman MP Aisha Kabanda. Kivumbi had earlier faced charges linked to alleged post-election violence in January, including attacks on police and electoral facilities. His associates suspect the latest detention may relate to remarks he made after bail, but those claims remain allegations in the source report.