Uganda Law Society vows to pursue missing activist Sam Mugumya's case after mother's plea

What the report says

Uganda Law Society leaders have said they will press for answers over the whereabouts of missing activist Sam Mugumya after visiting his mother, Edinansi Katungwesi, in Rukungiri District. The group called for Mugumya’s release or, if he is being lawfully held, for him to be produced in court. The development was reported by Nile Post.

According to the article, a delegation led by ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe met Katungwesi after she described months of distress since Mugumya disappeared. Mugumya is linked to the People’s Front for Freedom and was previously an aide to opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye. His family and supporters say he was taken by armed men in Mbarara and placed into a security vehicle, while security agencies have denied holding him.

Katungwesi said the uncertainty has left her not knowing whether her son is alive or dead, and she appealed for either his return or a court appearance. The family’s concern increased after a video circulated online that appeared to show Mugumya in poor physical condition, although the article does not verify the footage.

ULS said it would continue pursuing the matter and urged whoever may be holding Mugumya to respect human dignity and the rule of law. The case matters because it reflects wider concerns in Uganda about alleged enforced disappearances and the treatment of political activists. The article also noted that Mugumya had planned to run for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat when he disappeared.