Politics 5 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kivumbi Alleges Torture and Incommunicado Detention After Bail
Former Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi alleges he was abducted, beaten, and held incommunicado for 19 days following his release on bail. He claims security operatives tortured him and that he was initially believed to be near death. Source: https://observer.ug/news/what-i-saw-in-an-army-cell-kivumbi-they-thought-i-would-die
Just one day after his release from nearly six months of remand on terrorism charges, former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi claims he was abducted and subjected to severe beatings and incommunicado detention. Kivumbi, who had recently been welcomed home by supporters after being granted bail, alleges that his freedom was cut short less than 24 hours later.
Speaking from Kitalya Prison, Kivumbi detailed his account of being bundled into a “drone” vehicle by operatives he suspects belonged to the Special Forces Command. He stated that a hood was placed over his head, rendering him unable to identify his location, and that he was beaten while being interrogated about his critical remarks concerning President Museveni’s family and military leaders.
He claims the abuse escalated at a facility in Entebbe, where officers allegedly used electric cables to assault him. Kivumbi believes the beating only stopped because the officers thought he was going to die. He reported being held in a small room for 19 days, during which he heard the sounds of other detainees being tortured at night. He also claims an officer showed him videos of himself being declared dead and implied that anything could be done to him since he was presumed dead.
Kivumbi was eventually released and reappeared at Nateete Police Station, where he was finally able to contact his lawyer. He was subsequently presented with new charges of managing an unlawful society and inciting violence, leading to his re-remand in Kitalya Prison. He noted a significant difference in his current prison conditions compared to his previous remand, with over 300 inmates sharing a hall, a stark contrast to his solitary cell.
Despite the alleged ordeal, Kivumbi remains resolute in his political activism, rejecting any suggestion of a deal for his bail or the idea of remaining silent. He stated his intention to continue speaking out against the country’s governance issues, asserting that silence would only serve the interests of those in power.
This account was reported by The Observer (Uganda).