KAMPALA: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for the immediate release or prompt arraignment before a competent court of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, following his reported re-arrest on Friday, less than a day after the High Court granted him bail in a terrorism-related case.
The legal body said Kivumbi was reportedly intercepted by security operatives in Mpigi District while travelling on Friday afternoon. By the time ULS issued its statement, his family and legal team had not been informed of his whereabouts, raising concerns over his detention and access to legal representation.
In a statement issued on Friday, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony said the society was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding Kivumbi’s arrest, describing the incident as one that raises serious constitutional and human rights questions.
“The Uganda Law Society is gravely alarmed by reports of the abduction this afternoon of Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, former Member of Parliament for Butambala County and current deputy president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), around Mpigi District,” the statement reads.
The society noted that, at the time of issuing the statement, no security agency had publicly confirmed Kivumbi’s arrest or disclosed where he was being held.
ULS called on the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and any other security agencies involved to immediately reveal Kivumbi’s whereabouts and explain the legal basis for his detention.
The lawyers’ body further demanded that he be produced before a competent court without unnecessary delay and granted unrestricted access to his lawyers and family members.
Among its demands, ULS called for an end to enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions, urging authorities to ensure accountability for individuals responsible for violating constitutional safeguards, regardless of their rank or office.
The society also appealed to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Speaker of Parliament, and members of the international community to take steps aimed at safeguarding Kivumbi’s rights and personal safety.
“The rule of law cannot survive where citizens, particularly political leaders, are taken from public roads with impunity,” Asiimwe said, adding that the incident reflects concerns the society has consistently raised over alleged abductions and politically sensitive prosecutions.
ULS warned that if its concerns are not addressed, it will proceed with a peaceful petition to the Judiciary Headquarters on July 17. The petition is expected to be addressed to the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and the Principal Judge, seeking the Judiciary’s position on issues relating to judicial independence and the handling of politically sensitive cases.
By press time, neither the Uganda Police Force, the UPDF, nor any other security agency had issued an official statement explaining the reasons for Kivumbi’s reported re-arrest.