Where Is Muwanga Kivumbi? Bobi Wine Raises Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Torture and Secret Detention

By UgandaToday News Desk

Fresh concerns have emerged over the whereabouts and condition of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, after NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alleged that the legislator may have been subjected to severe torture while in military custody.

In a strongly worded post published on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Kyagulanyi claimed that the party had received “disturbing reports” alleging that Kivumbi was tortured at Kasenyi Special Forces Command (SFC) military barracks and is being kept away from the public while receiving treatment.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and neither the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) nor the Uganda Police Force had publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.

Allegations of Torture Surface

Kyagulanyi said the reports suggesting that Kivumbi was tortured “to near death” should not be taken lightly, arguing that similar methods had allegedly been used against opposition leaders and activists in the past.

“We’ve received disturbing reports alleging that Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi was tortured to near death at Kasenyi SFC military barracks and is now being hidden from the public while receiving treatment before he can be produced,” Kyagulanyi wrote.

He added that previous victims of alleged state brutality were intentionally concealed until visible injuries had healed, making it difficult to prove torture.

According to the opposition leader, such reports fit what he described as an established pattern of enforced disappearances and incommunicado detention.

Ten Days Since His Disappearance

Kyagulanyi noted that it has now been ten days since Muwanga Kivumbi was allegedly abducted in broad daylight.

He accused the authorities of failing to account for the legislator’s whereabouts despite repeated demands from his family, political colleagues and supporters.

“While the regime keeps the country distracted with endless diversions, it’s now 10 days since our Deputy President of the Buganda region was abducted in broad daylight and since then, he has never been seen again.”

The NUP leader further stated that neither the Uganda Police Force nor the UPDF has officially acknowledged holding Kivumbi or explained where he is.

Growing Pressure on Security Agencies

The latest statement is expected to intensify pressure on Uganda’s security agencies to clarify Kivumbi’s status.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly argued that prompt disclosure of the whereabouts of detained persons is essential for protecting constitutional rights and preventing enforced disappearances.

The continued uncertainty surrounding Kivumbi’s fate is likely to fuel renewed calls from opposition leaders, civil society organisations and international observers for transparency and adherence to due process.

A Question That Continues to Dominate Public Debate

Kyagulanyi concluded his statement with a direct question that has increasingly resonated among opposition supporters and human rights defenders:

“Where is Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi?”

The question has rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, with many Ugandans demanding that the authorities immediately disclose his whereabouts, facilitate access to his family and legal representatives if he is in custody, and address the allegations of torture.

As public concern continues to mount, many will be watching closely for an official response from the security agencies regarding Kivumbi’s disappearance and the serious allegations raised by the opposition.

Official Position Awaited

UgandaToday could not independently verify the allegations contained in Kyagulanyi’s statement before publication. As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the UPDF, the Special Forces Command, or the Uganda Police Force responding to the claims or confirming Kivumbi’s whereabouts.

UgandaToday will continue following the story and publish updates as more verified information becomes available.