Uganda’s military has formally denied any involvement in the alleged abduction and detention of former Butambala Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi, setting the stage for a legal contest over his whereabouts.
In a sworn affidavit filed before the High Court in Kampala, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) dismissed claims that its officers arrested or are holding Kivumbi.
The response was submitted by Lt Col Edgar Musasizi, an officer attached to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces.
The affidavit is part of proceedings arising from an application for a writ of habeas corpus, in which Kivumbi’s representatives are seeking court intervention to compel security agencies to produce him, dead or alive, if he is in custody.
Lt Col Musasizi stated that the UPDF “categorically denies” any role in the alleged abduction or unlawful detention of the former legislator.
He further argued that the applicant had not presented credible evidence linking the military to the incident.
“I confirm that the Applicant is not and has never been in the custody of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces at any material time,” the affidavit reads in part.
The military officer also noted that checks had been conducted across all gazetted detention facilities under UPDF control, with no record of Kivumbi being held.
He maintained that allegations suggesting the former MP is being detained incommunicado by the army are unsupported.
Additionally, the UPDF accused the applicant of failing to provide any documentary or testimonial proof to substantiate claims of military involvement.
The affidavit asserts that the application for habeas corpus lacks merit and should be dismissed with costs.
“The deponent has not disclosed the basis upon which he concluded that the persons allegedly involved were officers of the UPDF,” Musasizi stated, adding that the claims risk tarnishing the institution’s reputation.
The army’s response comes amid growing scrutiny over alleged enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions in Uganda, particularly involving opposition figures and activists.
Kivumbi, a prominent political figure, has previously been linked to opposition politics, heightening public interest in the case.
The High Court is expected to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to compel security agencies to produce the former MP.
The ruling could have broader implications for accountability within Uganda’s security apparatus and the enforcement of constitutional protections against unlawful detention.