The controversial arrest of Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi has intensified political debate in Uganda, with lawyer and activist Anne Mugisha claiming the incident reflects a deliberate effort to weaken opposition leadership and control the national narrative.
Kivumbi was allegedly seized in broad daylight just a day after being released on bail, sparking concern among opposition figures and human rights advocates.
While some have linked the incident to a speech he delivered shortly after his release, Mugisha argues the timing suggests deeper political calculations.
“Within hours of his release, Muwanga Kivumbi amply demonstrated his leadership and mobilization abilities. If left on the loose, he could galvanize the opposition at a time when the state is struggling to manage its tarnished image and an angry population,” Mugisha said.
Her remarks point to what she describes as a broader strategy to keep the opposition fragmented.
“The rulers want silence as they try to manage the narrative around a political transition. The opposition must remain headless, scattered and disjointed,” she added.
Mugisha further argued that the government is actively redirecting public attention toward other issues, including anti-corruption drives and state-led initiatives.
“They are pointing us to grassroots fights against corruption and selective prosecutions. They want us to focus on the strength of the army and dream of regional expansion,” she said.
Despite these efforts, she insisted that such narratives cannot overshadow concerns about civil liberties.
“As long as there are Ugandans that are unable to enjoy freedoms in their own country, they cannot be participants in the dreams of their oppressors,” Mugisha stated.
She also dismissed the idea that anti-corruption campaigns would shift focus from alleged abuses targeting opposition leaders.
“Grassroots fights against corrupt officials will not distract from the horrors faced by opposition leaders in basements,” she said.
Drawing historical parallels, Mugisha warned of the risks of prioritizing state achievements over democratic institutions.
She referenced Libya under Muammar Gaddafi, noting that social progress alone could not sustain stability without political freedoms.
“When his regime collapsed, the absence of trusted institutions contributed to prolonged conflict. We pray Uganda is not destined for the same fate,” she cautioned.