The High Court in Kampala has directed the government to conclude investigations into the whereabouts of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and report back to court within seven days, stopping short of immediately issuing a writ of habeas corpus.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Collins Acellam ordered the respondents—the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General—to file an affidavit detailing the outcome of investigations into Kivumbi’s whereabouts before the court determines whether to grant the application for habeas corpus.
The court scheduled the matter for mention and further hearing on July 29, 2026.
Kivumbi’s lawyers petitioned the High Court after alleging that he was abducted on July 10 by unidentified military operatives at a police checkpoint in Mpigi District, shortly after he had been released on bail by the High Court.
Through the application, the legal team sought orders compelling the security agencies to produce Kivumbi before court, release him unconditionally if he is in custody, and meet the costs of the proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with the court’s latest directive requiring government agencies to account for the progress of investigations into the former legislator’s alleged disappearance.
