KAMPALA, Uganda — An unverified video allegedly showing missing opposition activist Sam Mugumya in a frail physical condition has sparked fresh concern among Ugandans, with opposition supporters and human rights activists demanding answers about his whereabouts nearly a year after his reported disappearance.
The footage, which began circulating widely on social media on Friday, July 31, 2026, appears to show a thin man struggling to walk with the aid of a walker or crutches. Those sharing the clip claim the individual is Mugumya, a member of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and former aide to Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
However, Uncovered UG has not independently verified the authenticity of the video, and there has been no official confirmation regarding when or where it was recorded or whether the individual seen is indeed Mugumya.
Ugandan security agencies had not publicly responded to the circulating footage by the time this article was published.
Renewed Questions Over Mugumya’s Disappearance
Mugumya reportedly disappeared on August 26, 2025, after he was allegedly taken by armed men believed to be military personnel and plain-clothed operatives from a hotel in Mbarara.
Following his disappearance, his legal team filed a habeas corpus application seeking his release, arguing that he was being unlawfully detained.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) denied holding Mugumya, telling the High Court that searches conducted across its detention facilities found no record of him. The Uganda Police Force also said it had no information about his whereabouts.
His family has consistently maintained that they have not heard from him since his disappearance, while his elderly mother has repeatedly appealed to authorities to facilitate his release.
Claims Surrounding the Video
Individuals circulating the footage claim it was secretly recorded inside an underground detention facility allegedly linked to the Special Forces Command.
The video appears to show a visibly weak man struggling to stand and walk without assistance.
Some opposition supporters have alleged that Mugumya may have suffered torture while in detention, claiming he sustained serious leg injuries, broken ribs, and severe malnutrition. These claims, however, remain unverified.
One of Mugumya’s associates also alleged that the clothing seen in the footage resembles what he was reportedly wearing on the day he disappeared, describing it as a possible indication that the video is genuine.
PFF Demands Immediate Release
Reacting to the footage, the People’s Front for Freedom accused the government of concealing Mugumya’s whereabouts.
In a statement, the party said it was “outraged” by the alleged leaked footage, arguing that it appeared to confirm long-standing fears about his welfare.
The opposition party further accused security agencies of repeatedly denying knowledge of Mugumya’s whereabouts despite claims from eyewitnesses that he was abducted by state operatives.
PFF also renewed calls for his immediate release, insisting that if he is in custody, he should be granted access to medical treatment, legal representation, and family members.
Calls for Independent Investigation
The alleged video has reignited demands from activists and civil society groups for an independent investigation into Mugumya’s disappearance.
They are urging authorities to produce him before court if he is being detained lawfully or disclose his whereabouts if they have information regarding his condition.
Earlier court proceedings saw Justice Collins Acellam direct that Mugumya be produced before court, emphasizing the importance of protect
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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