Human rights activist After Atuhaire has raised concerns over President Yoweri Museveni’s recent statements condemning torture, arguing that the reality on the ground reflects a different picture.
In an open letter addressed to the president, Atuhaire acknowledged his position against torture, noting that he had previously issued similar warnings in 2017 during public outcry over abuses at Nalufenya detention facility.
However, she said the situation has not improved, pointing to continued allegations of torture, unlawful detention, and enforced disappearances.
“Many Ugandans have been tortured since then,” Atuhaire wrote, suggesting that official statements have not translated into meaningful change within the security sector.
She highlighted the case of Sam Mugumya, who she claims was abducted by security operatives about a year ago and has neither been charged nor produced in court.
According to Atuhaire, court orders directing investigations into his disappearance have not yielded results, leaving his family in distress.
“I interviewed his 83-year-old mother, who appealed for intervention so she can confirm whether her son is alive,” she stated, adding that a recently circulated video showed Mugumya in poor condition and allegedly subjected to torture.
The activist further alleged that incommunicado detention remains widespread, with suspects reportedly held outside legally recognised facilities.
She argued that such conditions create an environment where torture can occur without oversight.
“At present, many Ugandans are still being held without access to lawyers or families,” she said, citing cases of young detainees, including Christopher Gody, also known as King Zale, and 18-year-old William Baliza.
Atuhaire also referenced incidents involving opposition-linked figures, claiming that some cases of alleged torture have been publicly acknowledged or discussed, raising further concerns about accountability within state agencies.
In her remarks, she urged the president to ensure that his stance against torture is applied consistently, warning that selective responses could undermine public trust.
“There should be equal concern for all victims,” she noted, cautioning that failure to address reported abuses risks reinforcing perceptions of injustice.