Judges at Uganda’s High Court are expected to deliver a ruling on Wednesday in a habeas corpus case involving Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, whose whereabouts remain disputed after his reported rearrest.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) official’s lawyers want security agencies ordered to produce him before court and explain why he is allegedly being detained.
At Tuesday’s hearing, police acknowledged through an affidavit that Kivumbi had been arrested during a joint security operation at a checkpoint in Mpigi. However, they maintained that he was no longer under police custody.
The latest submission differs from the Attorney General’s earlier position that government officials were working to resolve the issue.
Lawyer Samuel Muyizi questioned the government’s changing explanations.
“It is rather disturbing. Just four days ago, the Attorney General was clearly stating that the ministers responsible were finding a means of resolving it. Now today, the same Attorney General comes holding another affidavit saying that whereas the police apprehended Honorable Muwanga Kivumbi at Mpigi, they do not have him within their custody.”
The defence team said police facilities they visited did not have the MP and argued that the military’s silence in court raises further questions.
Muyizi said:
“The police have been consistent that they don’t have him within their custody. But now that we filed the matter against the military and they have not responded, we believe very strongly that Honorable Muwanga Kivumbi is in the hands of the military.”
Speaking after court, lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona claimed Kivumbi was being treated at a military health facility while access to him remained restricted. The claim has not been independently verified.
“If someone has committed or is suspected of committing an offence, treat him in accordance with the law. We understand he is receiving treatment in one of the military hospitals. Thank you for giving him treatment, but return him to us. His personal doctor, his lawyer and his family cannot access him.”
Kivumbi was released on bail on 9 July after nearly six months on remand before reportedly being arrested again the following day near Mpigi.
