TOP STORY: Parliament Gives Government Two Weeks to Explain Sam Mugumya’s Whereabouts

Parliament has given the Ugandan government two weeks to explain the whereabouts of opposition activist Sam Mugumya and other people reported missing or allegedly held without being produced in court.

The directive was issued during Thursday’s plenary sitting on October 1, 2026, after Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi renewed calls for government to account for people whose whereabouts remain unclear.

Ssenyonyi placed particular emphasis on the case of Sam Mugumya, a former aide to opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, whose disappearance was reported on August 26, 2025.

According to reports presented in Parliament, Mugumya was allegedly picked up by armed men from a hotel in Mbarara City. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) later denied that he was in its custody.

In an earlier High Court case, Lt Col Edgar Musasizi said the UPDF had searched its detention records and found no record indicating that Mugumya was being held by the army.

Fresh questions after video allegedly showing Mugumya

The case has attracted renewed attention following the circulation of videos and photographs on social media that purportedly show Mugumya.

Ssenyonyi told Parliament that the footage had raised fresh questions about the activist’s whereabouts and condition.

He called on authorities to either account for Mugumya or produce him before a court of law if he is being held over any alleged offence.

Ssenyonyi also referred to claims attributed to former security officer Lt Herbert Mabonga, who appeared in a viral video and made allegations concerning torture and detention facilities. The allegations had not been independently verified at the time of the parliamentary debate.

The Uganda Law Society has separately said it intends to engage relevant United Nations special procedures over Mugumya’s continued disappearance. The legal body said the move followed renewed concern over video footage allegedly showing the missing activist.

Government given two weeks

Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng told Parliament that government had received a list of people reported missing or allegedly held incommunicado.

She said the list had been submitted by Ssenyonyi after the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs requested information to enable the government to follow up the cases.

Aceng also said Jinja South Division East MP Paul Mwiru had added the name of journalist Eria Jengo to the list.

She asked Parliament to give government two weeks to investigate the cases and return with information.

Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth subsequently directed government to take the matter seriously and report back to the House within the two-week period. He also said Parliament would set aside time for a broader debate on human rights once government was ready to present its report.

Other missing Ugandans raised

Ssenyonyi also raised the case of Christopher Godi, alias King Zale, whom he said was taken on April 10 and whose whereabouts remained unaccounted for.

He further cited journalist Eria Jengo, saying Parliament should address cases of people allegedly detained without being presented before court.

Ssenyonyi argued that the issue should not be viewed through political affiliation, saying the rule of law should apply to Ugandans regardless of their political positions.

Parliament had already raised concerns over people allegedly being held incommunicado earlier in the week. On September 29, Aceng confirmed that government was following up on a list submitted by the Opposition.

Mugumya disappearance

Mugumya reportedly disappeared on August 26, 2025, after he was allegedly picked up by armed men while at a hotel in Mbarara City.

His family and lawyers have continued seeking information about his whereabouts.

The latest developments have now placed the matter directly before Parliament, with government expected to return within two weeks with an update on Mugumya and other names submitted for investigation.

The government’s response will be closely watched as Parliament considers the wider concerns surrounding alleged disappearances, detention and access to due process in Uganda.