KAMPALA, Uganda – July 10, 2026: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the reported abduction of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda and former Butambala County MP, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, describing the incident as a grave assault on the rule of law and constitutional freedoms.
In a statement shared by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony and circulated by Arthur Isiko on X, the legal body said it received reports from Kivumbi’s family that he was allegedly abducted in Mpigi District less than 24 hours after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted him bail. At the time of the statement, ULS said his whereabouts remained unknown and no security agency had officially communicated the legal basis for his arrest or detention.
The Society argued that the reported incident follows President Yoweri Museveni’s July 4, 2026 address, which it claims appeared to justify ongoing abductions, enforced disappearances, prolonged pre-trial detention, politically motivated prosecutions and other forms of military-led repression.
ULS maintained that abductions and enforced disappearances are criminal offences under both Ugandan and international law, stressing that Article 23 of the Constitution guarantees every person’s right to liberty and protection from arbitrary arrest. It further stated that any arrested person must be informed of the reasons for arrest and produced before court within 48 hours.
The legal body also expressed concern over what it described as the surveillance and targeting of a senior official of a registered political party shortly after being granted bail, saying such actions undermine judicial independence and Uganda’s multiparty democratic system.
The Uganda Law Society demanded the immediate disclosure of Kivumbi’s whereabouts, his production before a competent court with access to lawyers and family members, and an end to alleged abductions and enforced disappearances, with accountability for those responsible.
The Society also called upon the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Speaker of Parliament and the international community to intervene to ensure Kivumbi’s safety.
In addition, ULS announced a peaceful petition dubbed “Occupy the Judiciary”, scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the Judiciary Headquarters. The Society said it intends to petition the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and the Principal Judge to publicly state the Judiciary’s position regarding the July 4 presidential address and concerns over the alleged use of courts to facilitate repression.
The statement concludes by warning that silence in the face of alleged abductions threatens the rule of law and urging judicial leaders to publicly defend constitutional justice.
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