Fresh details have emerged linking former Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi’s dramatic abduction on Friday to controversial remarks he made hours earlier after securing bail.
Kivumbi, a senior figure in Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), was reportedly seized by armed men at a roadblock in Mpigi District, shortly after his release from custody.
His whereabouts remained unknown by the end of the day, raising concerns among supporters and rights groups.
The development followed a fiery statement delivered by Kivumbi on Thursday night, in which he sharply criticised President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Speaker Anita Among, and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In the remarks, Kivumbi claimed the country had been “spoilt by four people,” alleging that some had already weakened or lost influence, while describing Muhoozi as “the one remaining.”
The comments, widely circulated on social media, quickly drew attention and reportedly triggered backlash from pro-government circles.
By Friday morning, claims had begun circulating that Gen Muhoozi had ordered Kivumbi’s re-arrest, although there was no immediate official confirmation from security agencies.
Kivumbi had only just regained his freedom after spending months on remand over terrorism-related charges linked to post-election violence.
A court had granted him bail on Thursday, setting conditions for his temporary release pending trial.
Opposition leaders have condemned the latest incident, describing it as a continuation of enforced disappearances targeting government critics.
They argue that the manner of his seizure—outside formal legal processes—undermines the rule of law and court authority.
The incident adds to growing political tension in Uganda, where opposition figures have repeatedly accused authorities of using arrests, intimidation, and abductions to silence dissent.