Court orders gov’t to probe into Muwanga Kivumbi’s whereabouts

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reports that the High Court in Kampala has given government authorities seven days to establish and report on the whereabouts of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi before it decides on his habeas corpus application. Justice Collins Acellam directed the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General to file an affidavit with the outcome of the inquiries. The case is scheduled to return to court on July 29, 2026.

Kivumbi’s lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, are asking the court to order security agencies to produce him and secure his release. Court filings cited in the report say Kivumbi was allegedly taken on July 10, 2026, at a police checkpoint in Mpigi, shortly after he had been granted bail. His brother, Hajji Musa Lutaaya, told court he was with him and alleged that police at the checkpoint assisted military personnel in moving Kivumbi into another vehicle. The respondents deny holding him; an affidavit from Assistant Commissioner of Police Godwin Tumugumye said police records do not show Kivumbi in police custody.

Justice Acellam said habeas corpus is meant to test the lawfulness of detention, but that an immediate order would be difficult to enforce if the court has not established who is holding Kivumbi or where he is. He therefore allowed a limited period for further inquiries.

The report places the application against the backdrop of terrorism charges facing Kivumbi and 16 co-accused over alleged attacks linked to the January 2026 elections in Butambala. Prosecutors allege deaths, vehicle damage and threats to public safety, while Kivumbi had reportedly spent about six months on remand before receiving bail.