Politics 15 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Parliament Demands Government Account for Muwanga Kivumbi's Whereabouts
Uganda's Parliament has formally requested the government provide an explanation for the disappearance of former MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi after his re-arrest post-bail. The Leader of the Opposition raised concerns about constitutional rights and the rule of law. Source: https://observer.ug/news/where-is-muwanga-kivumbi-parliament-demands-answers-from-govt
Parliament erupted in concern on Tuesday as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned the government regarding the whereabouts of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. Ssenyonyi highlighted that Kivumbi was re-arrested without clear explanation shortly after being released on court bail.
According to Ssenyonyi, Kivumbi was granted bail on Friday, July 10, 2026, following his appearance in a criminal case. However, the following day, he was allegedly intercepted by police and military personnel while traveling from Butambala to Kampala and forced into a vehicle. Since then, neither his family nor his colleagues have been able to ascertain his location.
“Mr Speaker, from Friday up to today, Tuesday, his family and we, his colleagues, have been looking for him. We do not know where Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is,” Ssenyonyi stated, demanding answers on where Kivumbi is and whether this type of arrest signifies a “new normal” for the government.
He emphasized Uganda’s constitutional safeguards, particularly Article 23, which guarantees personal liberty, mandates informing arrested individuals of the reasons for their detention, and requires production before a court within 48 hours. Ssenyonyi drew parallels to previous instances where opposition politicians were reportedly re-arrested immediately after court releases, such as former MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya, Allan Ssewanyana, and Paul Akamba.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa referred the matter to the Deputy Government Chief Whip, Dr. Walter Kiyonga, who requested time to gather facts. Attorney General Sam Mayanja, later addressing the House, rejected the notion of a “new normal” or “old normal” in arrests, affirming that Uganda remains under constitutionalism and that Mr. Kivumbi’s rights are protected. He acknowledged, however, that the government had not yet confirmed the facts of the alleged arrest and promised a comprehensive response, assuring Parliament that the Constitution would be upheld.
This situation raises significant questions about adherence to legal procedures in arrests and the respect for judicial decisions in Uganda. The government has pledged to provide a full report to Parliament on Kivumbi’s status.