Former Buikwe South MP Dr Michael Lulume Bayigga has put President Yoweri Museveni on the spot after a disturbing video allegedly showing activist Sam Mugumya in detention surfaced online, months after he was reported missing.
The clip, which has been widely shared across social media, appears to show Mugumya in a weakened condition, triggering renewed concern among opposition figures and rights activists over his whereabouts and treatment.
Mugumya, a longtime associate of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, has previously faced legal and security challenges linked to his activism.
In a message addressed to the president, Bayigga questioned both the circumstances under which the video was recorded and the state’s response to such incidents.
“Someone who recorded this video, let alone availing it to the public, must be a courageous son of Uganda because he can't survive the wrath of the powers that are pleased by holding Mr Sam Mugumya in such a state,” Bayigga said.
He went further to challenge Museveni directly, referencing his authority as commander-in-chief and his long-standing leadership.
Bayigga also invoked the president’s frequent public references to faith and moral leadership, questioning how such values align with the images circulating online.
“It is difficult to imagine what runs in your mind when such recordings reach your attention,” he stated.
Bayigga’s statement culminated in a pointed appeal, asking how long Ugandans must continue witnessing similar cases.
“Our question is, how much more suffering would you like to see and how many other such videos would you like to be brought to your attention to bring you to our world?” he posed.
The video has intensified scrutiny of Uganda’s security agencies, which have repeatedly faced accusations of arbitrary detention and lack of due process, particularly involving opposition figures.