The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has demanded an explanation from the government regarding the whereabouts of former Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who was reportedly arrested by armed men in military uniform shortly after being granted bail.
Kivumbi was released on bail after spending five months on remand over treason charges.
He later travelled to his home area in Butambala District, where he attended Friday Juma prayers and addressed supporters before he was allegedly re-arrested.
Raising the matter on the floor of Parliament during Tuesday’s sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Ssenyonyi said four days had passed since Kivumbi’s reported disappearance, with neither his family nor the NUP party knowing his whereabouts.
Ssenyonyi told Parliament that Kivumbi was allegedly intercepted in Mpigi District while returning to Kampala and taken to an unknown location.
He questioned whether the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest were in line with Article 23 of the Constitution, which provides safeguards against unlawful detention and protects an individual’s right to personal liberty.
The Opposition leader compared the incident to the 2021 arrests of former Members of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana, calling on the government to urgently provide information on Kivumbi’s whereabouts.
Responding on behalf of the government, Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga told Parliament that a comprehensive statement on the matter would be presented during Wednesday’s sitting.
By Francis Lubega
14th July 2026
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