Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Lt. Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, has broken her silence over the controversial re-arrest of former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, saying the former legislator was not taken into custody over the same case in which he had been granted bail.
Nalweyiso said the circumstances surrounding Kivumbi’s latest arrest will become clearer when he is eventually presented before court and the details of the matter are officially revealed.
Speaking during an interview on Radio 4, the senior military officer dismissed claims that Kivumbi was rearrested over the terrorism charges that had earlier seen him spend months on remand before being granted bail.
“I don’t think Kivumbi was rearrested over the same matter for which he had been granted bail. My understanding is that he was arrested over something else, which you will know when he is brought to court,” Nalweyiso said.
Her comments come amid growing public debate and a legal battle over the whereabouts of the former legislator, who was allegedly arrested shortly after his release from prison.
Kivumbi had reportedly been granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court after spending several months in custody over terrorism-related charges.
According to his lawyers, the former MP was picked up shortly after securing bail in an incident that has raised questions about the legality of his continued detention.
Kivumbi’s legal team, led by lawyer Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, alleges that he was arrested on July 10 at a police checkpoint in Mpigi shortly after leaving court.
The lawyers claim that armed individuals believed to be security personnel took him away without presenting an arrest warrant or explaining the reasons for his detention.
They further allege that Kivumbi has since been held without access to his family members, lawyers or medical assistance.
The allegations prompted his lawyers to seek court intervention through a habeas corpus application, demanding that authorities produce him before court or explain where he is being held.
The High Court in Kampala has since ordered government security agencies to investigate the matter and provide answers regarding Kivumbi’s whereabouts.
Justice Collins Acellam directed the Chief of Defence Forces, Inspector General of Police and Attorney General to submit affidavits explaining the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
The court gave the respondents seven days to provide information before the matter returns for further hearing on July 29, 2026.
However, the Uganda Police Force has denied arresting or detaining Kivumbi, saying there are no records showing that he is in police custody.
In an affidavit, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godwin Tumugumye said police investigations across different units and stations did not find evidence linking the force to Kivumbi’s disappearance.
Kivumbi’s brother, Hajji Musa Lutaaya, who was reportedly travelling with him at the time of the incident, gave a different account.
He told court that police officers at the checkpoint allegedly assisted military personnel in removing Kivumbi from the vehicle before he was driven away to an unknown location.
He further claimed that the former MP was later taken to Bombo Military Hospital in a serious condition after allegedly being tortured by his captors.
The court noted that the issue of Kivumbi’s whereabouts remains unresolved, especially because police have denied holding him.
Justice Acellam explained that a writ of habeas corpus can only effectively operate when there is clarity about who is holding a person and where that person is being detained.
Meanwhile, Nalweyiso also weighed in on the issue of political speech, saying freedom of expression should not be used as a justification for insulting leaders.
She argued that all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, should be held accountable if they cross the boundaries of acceptable speech.
“Freedom of speech does not mean insults,” Nalweyiso said, adding that political differences should not be an excuse for abusive language.
Kivumbi was granted bail together with 16 other suspects who are facing terrorism charges connected to alleged violence in Butambala District during the 2026 general elections.
Prosecution alleges that the suspects were involved in attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre.
The state claims the alleged actions were intended to influence government operations and intimidate the public for political objectives.
The accused persons have denied the allegations, while their supporters have described the charges as politically motivated.
The High Court is expected to receive the government’s report on Kivumbi’s whereabouts before making further decisions on the matter.
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