“This Time Around, It’s Not Us Behind His Disappearance” Army Denies Holding Besigye’s Aid Mugumya, They Think He Might Re-appear By Himself

Fresh controversy has erupted following the disappearance of opposition activist Sam Mugumya, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) denying any involvement. Mugumya, a longtime aide to opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was reportedly abducted on 28th August by armed men at a hotel in Mbarara and forced into a waiting vehicle. Since that day, his whereabouts remain unknown.

The case has sparked a national debate after a court ordered the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the government to produce Mugumya dead or alive, following a habeas corpus application filed by his family. Despite the ruling, no government agency has claimed to have him, raising fears of yet another politically motivated disappearance.

Security agencies in Uganda have faced repeated accusations of abducting opposition politicians using both marked and unmarked Toyota Hiace vans, often referred to as “drones.” These tactics were widely reported before and after the 2021 general elections, fueling suspicions that Mugumya may have been targeted in a similar fashion.

Mugumya has a long history of political activism. He gained prominence in the early 2000s alongside Buhweju legislator Francis Mwijukye as close allies of Dr. Kizza Besigye. In 2014, he disappeared under unclear circumstances and was later found detained in Ndolo prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he spent over eight years. He was released in March 2023 and had declared interest in running for Rukungiri Municipality MP on the PFF ticket.

UPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye dismissed claims that the army was involved in Mugumya’s latest disappearance during an appearance on Next Radio. He insisted it was not his duty as army spokesperson to know Mugumya’s location, adding, “We all know Mugumya has a history of disappearance. Do you forget he disappeared and only surfaced in Congo? There is precedence of a man called Mugumya disappearing.”

His remarks, however, sparked anger among opposition supporters and human rights activists, who accused the army of downplaying a serious matter. Many stressed that, regardless of his past, Mugumya’s safety and accountability remain the government’s responsibility.

As the search for Mugumya continues, his family remains deeply concerned for his well-being. Opposition politicians have vowed to keep pushing for his release or disclosure of his whereabouts, while human rights groups continue to call on authorities to end the culture of enforced disappearances. For now, questions linger, and the mystery surrounding Mugumya’s disappearance remains unresolved.