A growing controversy surrounding a viral video of Ugandan activist Sam Mugumya has taken a new turn after human rights advocate Agather Atuhaire publicly alleged intimidation and threats following her role in amplifying the footage.
The video, which surfaced online last week, appears to show Mugumya in a visibly weakened and frail condition, struggling to move.
Its circulation has reignited concern among opposition figures and civil society groups, who have long questioned his whereabouts and treatment.
Atuhaire details alleged threats
In a strongly worded statement, Atuhaire claimed she began receiving suspicious calls shortly after the clip gained traction.
“When the video of Sam Mugumya leaked last week, the military — and the state — instead of releasing him is threatening me,” she said.
She described confusion over the source of the threats, suggesting blurred lines between state and military actors.
“Sometimes it’s even hard to tell if it is the military or the state because of the decentralized impunity,” she added.
According to Atuhaire, one caller identified himself as being linked to “special forces” and demanded to know who had provided her with the video.
“I told the person that even if I knew its source, my training as a journalist wouldn’t allow me to divulge sources. But I didn’t even know its source because I got it from social media,” she said.
She further alleged that the caller insisted she was the first to publish the footage and claimed authorities had the capability to trace its origin.
Warning and alleged abduction plot
Atuhaire said a second call followed days later, this time from an unidentified individual who issued what she described as a veiled warning.
“The person said they are concerned about my life… but publishing that video of Mugumya was not wise,” she revealed.
In a more alarming claim, the activist said she had received information from a separate source about an alleged plan to abduct her.
“Yesterday, I was told of a plan to abduct me because the video I shared has caused so much anger and led to some reshuffle,” she stated.
Pressure mounts amid silence
The claims have intensified scrutiny on Ugandan authorities, who have yet to verify the video or respond to the allegations raised. Activists continue to demand clarity on Mugumya’s condition and legal status.
Atuhaire said she chose to go public both as a precaution and to hold authorities accountable.
“I am both informing the state that is supposed to protect its citizens of these threats and Ugandans,” she said.