KAMPALA, Uganda — Prominent Ugandan public health and human rights advocate Winnie Byanyima has renewed calls for government accountability over the continued disappearance of opposition activist Sam Mugumya, saying he was abducted in Mbarara and remains missing months later.
In a statement shared on social media, Byanyima alleged that Mugumya was “abducted in Mbarara in broad daylight by security agents” and has not been seen since.
“It’s months now and Sam is still missing,” she said, adding, “The NRM government should tell Sam’s mother where Sam is. #EndImpunity #FreeSamMugumya”
Mugumya, a known political activist and long-time aide to opposition figures, was reportedly taken by armed men in plain clothes from the Nyamitanga area of Mbarara City in August 2025, according to earlier accounts by human rights groups and political actors.
Byanyima has previously described Mugumya as a close associate of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, and has consistently called for his release or formal presentation in court, arguing that his continued disappearance amounts to enforced disappearance.
Opposition-linked voices and civil society actors have in recent months expressed concern over what they describe as a pattern of abductions and incommunicado detentions involving political activists in Uganda. Rights groups have repeatedly urged authorities to provide clarity on the whereabouts of missing individuals and ensure due process.
Government and security agencies have in previous cases involving similar allegations denied holding certain individuals in custody or being involved in unlawful detentions, though specific responses to Mugumya’s latest status remain unclear.
As calls for answers intensify, Byanyima’s remarks have added renewed pressure on authorities to account for Mugumya’s fate, with activists insisting that transparency and due process are essential to addressing concerns over enforced disappearances.
