In a dramatic turn of events, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly admitted to holding missing opposition activist Sam Mugumya. Gen Muhoozi made the admission on his social media account, stating that Mugumya is in his custody and that he would be executed soon. This revelation has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition politicians, human-rights defenders, and ordinary Ugandans.
The disappearance of Sam Mugumya has been a subject of concern for over a year, with reports indicating that he was picked up by armed men in Mbarara on August 26, 2025. A video attributed to former UPDF intelligence officer Lt Herbert Matanda Mabonga had circulated, showing a man identified as Mugumya struggling to walk. Gen Muhoozi's statements have raised concerns about Mugumya's physical condition and his safety.
National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has strongly condemned Gen Muhoozi's statement, describing it as confirmation of what the opposition has alleged for over a year. Kyagulanyi accused Gen Muhoozi of publicly threatening to kill Mugumya and criticized earlier efforts by the UPDF to dismiss allegations made by Mabonga.
Human-rights defenders and civil-society voices have also reacted sharply to Gen Muhoozi's admission, demanding that Mugumya be produced before a court, granted access to lawyers, family members, and independent doctors, and protected from torture or execution. The group emphasized that a military detention facility is not above the law.
The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has similarly demanded Mugumya's immediate production before the High Court and an independent investigation into allegations that he was tortured at a military facility. JEEMA said the allegations surrounding his detention, combined with the latest developments, required a transparent investigation.
The High Court had previously ordered authorities to produce Mugumya in proceedings concerning his alleged military detention. The court action followed his reported disappearance in August 2025. Gen Muhoozi's public statements have raised questions about the rule of law and human rights in Uganda.
The case has sparked widespread concern, with many demanding that Gen Muhoozi be held accountable for his actions. The opposition and human-rights defenders continue to demand Mugumya's safe release and an investigation into his detention.
Key points
- Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba admits to holding missing opposition activist Sam Mugumya and threatens to execute him.
- Widespread condemnation from opposition politicians, human-rights defenders, and ordinary Ugandans.
- Demands for Mugumya's production before a court, access to lawyers and family, and protection from torture or execution.
