Government Requests More Time to Explain Muwanga Kivumbi’s Whereabouts
The government has asked Parliament for additional time to allow security agencies to prepare a comprehensive report on the whereabouts of National Unity Platform (NUP) Vice President and former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, whose location remains unknown days after his arrest.
The request was made by Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during Wednesday’s plenary sitting after the issue was raised by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi as a matter of national importance.
Kivumbi Missing Six Days After Arrest
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi was arrested by armed men last Friday, just one day after he had been granted bail by court.
Addressing Parliament, Ssenyonyi said six days had passed without Kivumbi’s family, lawyers, or doctors receiving any information about where he was being held.
“It is now the sixth day since the arrest, but Kivumbi’s family, lawyers and doctors have all failed to establish where he is being held,” Ssenyonyi told the House.
He said repeated attempts by Kivumbi’s relatives and legal team to trace him had been unsuccessful, raising serious concerns about due process, constitutional rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
Dr. Crispus Kiyonga Says Security Agencies Need More Time
Responding on behalf of the government, Dr. Kiyonga informed Parliament that security agencies were handling the matter but required additional time to compile a detailed report.
“Security chiefs need more time to prepare a comprehensive report on the whereabouts of NUP Vice President and former Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who was arrested last Friday,” Dr. Kiyonga said.
He assured legislators that once the report is finalized, the government will present it to Parliament and provide a full briefing to both Members of Parliament and the public.
MPs Demand Compliance With the Constitution
The request for more time prompted debate in Parliament, with several legislators urging the government to respect constitutional safeguards governing arrests and detention.
Members reminded the House that Uganda’s Constitution requires arrested persons to be produced before a competent court within 48 hours, while their families and legal representatives should be informed of their whereabouts.
Opposition MPs argued that the continued uncertainty surrounding Kivumbi’s detention undermines public confidence in the justice system and raises concerns over the protection of fundamental rights.
Family and Lawyers Still Await Answers
By Wednesday evening, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi’s family and legal team had still not been informed of his location, despite ongoing efforts to establish where he is being held.
The case has drawn growing attention from lawmakers and human rights advocates, who are calling for transparency and strict adherence to constitutional and legal procedures.
Parliament is expected to receive a detailed report from the government once security agencies complete their investigations into Kivumbi’s whereabouts.
