KHRC and PALU condemn state-sponsored attacks and judicial harassment of Ugandan opposition leader Muwanga Kivumbi

The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (KHRC) and the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) strongly condemn the arbitrary detention, alleged torture, and judicial harassment of Ugandan opposition leader Muwanga Kivumbi. We call on the Ugandan authorities to immediately release Mr. Kivumbi and end the escalating campaign of repression against government critics and opposition members.  

Muwanga Kivumbi is a deputy president of Uganda’s main opposition political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), in central Uganda, a key NUP stronghold. Kivumbi was first arbitrarily arrested on January 22, 2026, at his home alongside two other NUP deputy presidents following Uganda’s January 14 general elections, which were marred by reports of violence and intimidation. The following day, authorities charged Mr. Kivumbi with terrorism, accusing him of orchestrating a violent attack on a police station and polling station. Though this charge was unsubstantiated, he remained detained in poor conditions for nearly six months before his release on bail on July 9. 

However, only a day later, on July 10, Mr. Kivumbi was abducted from the street by masked, plainclothed men and taken to an undisclosed location. His family and lawyers did not know where he was being held or whether he was safe. Attempts to obtain information from authorities went unanswered. Finally, on July 29, Ugandan authorities produced Mr. Kivumbi in court, and he has since reported that he was tortured and held incommunicado for almost three weeks. His reappearance in state custody raises grave concerns about the involvement of state agents in his disappearance and alleged torture, and underscores the urgent need for an independent investigation.

“Mr. Kivumbi’s situation is emblematic of the systematic crackdown on opposition figures and critical voices in Uganda”, said Ikechukwu Uzoma, Senior Staff Attorney for Africa at KHRC. “Ugandan authorities must refrain from closing civic space, and the African Union mechanisms should closely scrutinize the worrying situation in the country and demand accountability”.

During his court appearance, the government introduced a new charge of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society. The charges reportedly stem from statements Mr. Kivumbi made against President Museveni’s son and Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and from his leadership role within the NUP.  The NUP is Uganda’s main opposition political party and a lawfully constituted political organization. Criminalizing political criticism, including regarding the President and his son, is protected under the Ugandan Constitution and international human rights law. 

Mr Kivumbi’s arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance,  torture and political persecution are contrary to Uganda’s domestic and international human rights obligations, including Article 23 of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution, which outlines the rights to due process and protections against arbitrary detention, and Article 24, which prohibits torture. Similarly, under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, Uganda has an obligation to prevent all acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction. Lastly, Mr. Kivumbi’s arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearance are inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“When critics disappear, democracy disappears with them,” said Don Deya, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). “Africa’s commitment to constitutionalism demands accountability, respect for human dignity and an unwavering adherence to the rule of law. In this case and many others, Uganda has failed on all counts.”

The persecution of Mr. Kivumbi cannot be viewed in isolation. His case comes amid mounting reports of arbitrary arrests, abductions, incommunicado detention, and other abuses targeting political opposition figures and government critics in Uganda. The use of security forces and the criminal justice system to silence political opponents threatens not only the rights of those targeted but also the democratic space necessary for all Ugandans to participate freely in their country’s political life.

We urge the Ugandan government to immediately release Mr. Muwanga Kivumbi and all others detained solely for exercising their fundamental rights. Ugandan authorities must adhere to the constitution as well as binding regional and international laws which prohibit violations of due process, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention.