The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has informed the High Court in Kampala that it has never detained missing opposition activist Sam Mugumya.
Mugumya, a close aide to opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been missing since August 2025.
His disappearance prompted his legal team to file a habeas corpus application, seeking a court order for security agencies to produce him.
In response, Lt Col Edgar Musasizi, Director of Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, filed an affidavit stating that a thorough review of all UPDF detention facilities found no record of Mugumya in custody.
“I do satisfy and return that Sam Mugumya has not at any material time been in the custody of the respondents in this matter,” Lt Col Musasizi stated.
He added that checks were conducted across all UPDF-controlled sites and through consultations with the Chief of Defence Forces and the Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security without finding any evidence of Mugumya’s detention.
Mugumya has previously faced multiple arrests related to his political activism. His supporters believe he may have been secretly detained, fueling concern and legal action.
The High Court is expected to review the UPDF’s response along with submissions from Mugumya’s lawyers before making a ruling.
