Former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has narrated what he describes as a painful torture ordeal during the 19 days he was missing after allegedly being taken by security operatives.
Kivumbi, who is also the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Central Region, made the allegations while appearing before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with inciting violence.
While speaking in court, Kivumbi said he was intercepted and taken away in a vehicle commonly referred to as a “drone” before being transported to an unknown location.
“When I was in the drone (Toyota Hiace vehicle), I was blindfolded, the whole face was covered. I was taken to a place I don’t know. I was put in a small room with a bathroom,” he told court.
Kivumbi alleged that after arriving at the unknown place, he was subjected to severe physical attacks by people he said were holding him.
He claimed that the individuals took turns beating, kicking and assaulting him while he was inside the small room where he had been taken.
“When I reached that room, every single person took a turn to beat, to kick, to do everything they wanted until I was hit on the head and a lot of blood was oozing out. That is when they stopped beating,” Kivumbi narrated.
The former legislator said the beating continued until he suffered a serious injury on his head, causing blood to flow before his attackers stopped.
He told court that after the alleged assault, those who had beaten him attempted to treat his injuries by applying a chemical to stop the bleeding.
“After that, they applied some chemical to stop the bleeding, and they said the doctor was coming,” Kivumbi said.
According to him, the doctor did not arrive immediately, but later came around midday and examined his injuries.
Kivumbi said after receiving medical attention, he was subjected to a painful rehabilitation process that continued for about a week.
“When he examined me, he put some medicine, and at night, they started to rehabilitate me. The process lasted a week. They would do it morning, midday, and in the evening. It was as painful as the beating,” he said.
The former MP claimed that he remained locked inside the same room throughout the 19 days he was missing.
“I have been in that room ever since I was abducted, for 19 days. There is a small window,” Kivumbi told court.
His disappearance had caused concern among his family, lawyers and supporters, who spent days demanding information about his whereabouts.
Kivumbi resurfaced at Nateete Police Station before being transferred to Butambala, where he was produced before court to face fresh charges.
The charges against him reportedly arise from remarks he allegedly made while addressing supporters at his home shortly after he had been granted bail in another case.
Kivumbi denied the allegations and maintained that he has been targeted because of his political activities and opposition role.
His lawyers said they were concerned about the injuries he allegedly suffered during the period he was missing and called for accountability over his claims.
The allegations made by Kivumbi have attracted public attention, with opposition supporters demanding answers and calling for investigations.
Security authorities have previously denied involvement in unlawful detentions and maintained that all operations are conducted within the law.
The claims made by Kivumbi remain allegations that have not yet been independently verified as court proceedings continue.
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