Missing Uganda opposition aide appears in video after a year

A video has surfaced showing Sam Mugumya, a former aide to Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, nearly a year after he disappeared. The footage, shared on social media, depicts Mugumya, 47, appearing frail and weakened, sitting beside a walking aid. His family and human rights advocates have accused the government of abducting him, while officials have yet to confirm his whereabouts or condition. Mugumya was once a key figure within Besigye’s political movement, supporting his campaign for leadership. He was last seen in public in August 2025, when local media reported he had been seized by individuals connected to the security services. Since then, there were no official statements regarding his fate. It wasn't until late July 2026 that a video of him resurfaced, sparking renewed concern over the treatment of political dissidents in Uganda. His mother, Edinansi Katungwesi, confirmed his identity through a phone interview, expressing deep anguish over her son’s condition. She alleged that the government had taken him and condemned the regime for its actions. “It is the government that took my son and I am so angry at them,” she said. “The government is meant to protect us and has turned against us, and worse of all against my son.” Her comments reflect a broader frustration among families of political detainees, who feel abandoned by the state they rely on for protection. The video, which has not been independently verified, shows Mugumya in a deteriorated state, suggesting possible mistreatment during his prolonged absence. Activists such as Agather Atuhaire have voiced alarm over the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. “I think the military is responsible for his disappearance, detention incommunicado,” Atuhaire stated. “I am so angry and alarmed that we are letting impunity in our country get worse and worse.” These claims align with reports of increased repression against opposition figures and civil society members in recent years. Legal representatives have taken action, with the Uganda Law Society filing a petition demanding Mugumya’s immediate release. Anthony Asiimwe, the society’s vice-president, emphasized the need for transparency and due process. “If he’s being suspected of committing an offence, let him be produced in court and answer the charges,” Asiimwe said. “We cannot continue allowing this kind of lawlessness to take place in this country.” Such calls for accountability come amid ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups, which have grown more pronounced since the re-election of President Yoweri Museveni in January 2026. The political climate in Uganda has become increasingly tense, with critics warning of a worsening environment for dissent. Museveni’s extended tenure has led to heightened scrutiny, particularly concerning the treatment of political opponents and the rule of law. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of arbitrary arrests, restricted freedoms, and limited access to legal representation for activists and critics. Mugumya’s case adds to these concerns, highlighting the risks faced by those associated with opposition movements. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on Mugumya’s health and the conditions under which he was detained. While some speculate that he may still be held in custody, others believe he could be recovering in a medical facility. The lack of official confirmation continues to fuel speculation and anxiety among his supporters. With no clear resolution in sight, the case underscores the challenges facing political prisoners in Uganda and the urgent need for greater transparency and justice.