Muhumuza, NUP Ankole sub-region coordinator appears in Mbarara court

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MBARARA - Bright Muhumuza, the National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator for the Ankole sub-region, has been brought to court in Mbarara today, (Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026) under heavy security.

Muhumuza, who was also the MP aspirant for Mbarara City South constituency, was reported missing on January 14, 2026. NUP leadership and his family said he was abducted while distributing agents’ appointment letters and cash facilitation.

Earlier today, he appeared before Magistrate Grade One, Ochieng Yafesi, on charges of committing a rash and negligent act, contrary to Section 211(a) of the Penal Code Act.

According to the charge sheet, it is alleged that on November 8, 2025, at Kyamugorani Cell in Mbarara City, along Kyamugorani Road near Rad Motel, Muhumuza was driving a motor vehicle, registration number UAY, in a manner deemed rash or negligent and likely to cause harm to SP Kenneth Kabwigo Gumisiriza, the Mbarara City Division DPC.

Muhumuza denied the charge. However, his bail application was not granted due to the absence of the state attorney.

The case was adjourned to February 11, 2026, at 9am, when his case will be heard.

In the polls, Muhumuza, who missed the voting exercise, lost to the incumbent, Mwine Mpaka (NRM), who was re-elected after the electoral commission declared him the winner.

David Rubongoya, the NUP general secretary, posted on his Facebook social media account, “Comrade Bright Muhumuza produced before court in Mbarara three weeks after he was abducted and held incommunicado.

Bright was violently abducted on January 14. Since then, we've looked for him in vain. They're charging him with doing a rash and negligent act”.