Activists petition rights commission over Mugumya, Kenyans' disappearance

KAMPALA - A group of activists have petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to investigate the whereabouts of Sam Mugumya and two alleged missing Kenyans.

Mugumya, a member of the Opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) political party went missing on August 26, 2025, after he was allegedly picked up by armed plainclothes operatives at a hotel in Mbarara city, western Uganda. His whereabouts remain a mystery to date.

Mugumya, a former political dissident and aide to the arrested four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, recently entered the race for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat on PFF ticket.

His decision unsettled the party’s traditional base, which has long rallied behind Besigye’s leadership.

Security agencies have since denied knowledge of his whereabouts or even knowing the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

In a petition dated October 10, 2025, Mugumya’s mother, Ednansi Katungwesi, and activists: James Ssuuna, Praise Alolkin Oploje, John Owori Masanja, Samson Kirya, Keeza Mbabazi, Edmund Ayesigwa, David Onyango and Claire Namara want the commission to investigate the matter and issue an order for the immediate release of Mugumya.

Citing Articles 23, 24, 28 and 29 of the Uganda’s constitution, Articles 7, 9 and 147 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, they argue that the continued incommunicado detention of Mugumya wherever he is, is an assault on the rule of law.

Petition and denial

On August 28, 2025, his family filed an application before court against the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security and the Attorney General seeking his unconditional release or being produced in courts of law.

Consequently, High Court judge Collins Acellam issued an order requiring them to produce him before the court within seven days.

However, the Government denied having him in any of its custody or even knowing his whereabouts.

Consequently, the judge on September 12 issued an order directing the CDF, Directorate of Intelligence and Security, Attorney General and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba to investigate the circumstances surrounding his alleged arrest and whereabouts and file a report in court. However, to date, no report has been filed in court.

In a petition dated October 10, 2025, Mugumya’s mother, Ednansi Katungwesi, and activists: James Ssuuna, Praise Alolkin Oploje, John Owori Masanja, Samson Kirya, Keeza Mbabazi, Edmund Ayesigwa, David Onyango and Claire Namara want the commission to investigate the matter and issue an order for the immediate release of Mugumya.

Detention in DR Congo prison 

Mugumya spent eight years in Ndolo Military Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo after his arrest in October 2014, gaining a reputation as one of Uganda’s most resilient opposition activists.

His political journey began in the early 2000s when, as a student at Makerere University, he joined the Reform Agenda. He later became Besigye’s aide-de-camp upon his return from exile in South Africa.

In 2017, while still imprisoned, Mugumya wrote to the Congolese justice minister, asking to be executed so he could be “free forever”. He was released on October 21, 2022.

Byanyima backs Mugumya

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has openly endorsed Mugumya, hailing his contribution to the struggle for democracy and freedom. Her declaration has divided opinion within the PFF.

“As a resident of Rukungiri Municipality, I am coming out early to full-heartedly endorse Sam Mugumya. He is tested. Sam is a fearless defender of human rights and a champion of justice and democracy. Sam will be an effective representative of Rukungiri Municipality,” Byanyima declared.

Kenyans' case

In another petition, Ssuuna, Opoloje, Masanja, Kirya, Mbabazi, Ayesigwa, Onyango and Namara, joined by two Kenyans Tony Njagi and Nobert Opeto Ochieng, want the commission to compel the security organs to release Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, the two reported missing Kenyans.

They allege that the duo has been held incommunicado at a military detention facility in Mbuya, Kampala, since October 1.

The duo is said to have travelled to Uganda on September 28, 2025, to express solidarity with Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate.

The petitioners argue that the duo was arrested by military operatives on October 1 near Stabbex Petrol Station in Kireka, Kampala and driven in a van to Mbuya military detention facility, where they are still allegedly held incommunicado. 

Citing Article 7 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community, the activists argue that it guarantees free movement of persons within the region and the member states.

Upon receipt of the two petitions on Friday, officials from the commission’s registry declined to comment on the matter but said they will be processed.