Ugandan Music Activist Sam Mugumya's Alleged Torture Sparks Outcry, Jeema Demands Probe

The Justice Forum (JEEMA) has issued a strong demand for the immediate production of missing opposition activist Sam Mugumya before the High Court. Concurrently, the party has called for an independent investigation into serious allegations that Mugumya was subjected to torture at a military safe house.

These demands stem from recent allegations made by Lt Herbert Mabonga Matanda, who identifies himself as a former Defence Intelligence and Security officer. Mabonga released a video statement on September 30, alongside footage he claimed depicted Mugumya in a severely weakened state and utilizing a walking frame. Mabonga alleges that the Special Forces Command (SFC) operates an illegal detention facility at Abayita Ababiri along Entebbe Road, where Mugumya was purportedly held and tortured. The location and circumstances of this footage, however, have not been independently verified.

In response, the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has vehemently dismissed Mabonga's allegations as fabricated, characterizing him as a deserter. This stance aligns with the UPDF's previous denials of holding Mugumya. In a September 2025 affidavit filed before the High Court, Lt Col Edgar Musasizi stated that the army's thorough search of its detention facilities and records yielded no evidence of Mugumya being in the custody of the respondents.

JEEMA emphasized that these allegations necessitate a transparent and independent inquiry, especially given the unresolved legal case concerning Mugumya's whereabouts. The party highlighted that the High Court had issued a writ of habeas corpus in September 2025, specifically ordering authorities to produce Mugumya before a competent court. Court records confirm that this order was made to ascertain the lawfulness of his alleged detention. Mugumya was reportedly arrested by military operatives in Mbarara on August 26, 2025, according to the habeas corpus proceedings.

According to JEEMA, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mugumya's location, coupled with these new, grave allegations, compels authorities to provide a full account of his status. The party declared that "Uganda cannot be governed by safe houses," underscoring constitutional protections against torture and relevant provisions of the UPDF Act concerning detention procedures.

To ensure accountability and uphold legal standards, JEEMA has urged Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to ensure Mugumya's immediate appearance before the High Court. Furthermore, the party has called for the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Uganda Law Society to be granted unfettered access to the alleged Abayita Ababiri facility and any other detention sites operated by the Special Forces Command. JEEMA also advocates for independent medical examinations of all detainees found within these facilities, arguing that a transparent investigation is crucial to establish the authenticity of the latest footage and determine Mugumya's true whereabouts and condition.