EDITOR
Bright Muhumuza, the National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator for the Ankole sub-region, was on Wednesday produced before the Mbarara Grade One Magistrate’s Court under heavy security deployment by the Special Forces Command (SFC), weeks after his disappearance under unclear circumstances.
Muhumuza, who contested for the Mbarara City South parliamentary seat on the NUP ticket in the 2026 general elections, had reportedly been missing since January 14, 2026. According to party officials and family members, he was allegedly abducted while distributing agents’ appointment letters and facilitation ahead of the elections.
His reappearance in state custody came ahead of his court appearance, sparking renewed public and political interest in his case.
According to the charge sheet presented before court, Muhumuza is accused of driving a motor vehicle, registration number UAY, in a rash or negligent manner, allegedly endangering the life of SP Kenneth Kabwigo Gumisiriza, the Mbarara City Division District Police Commander (DPC).
Muhumuza appeared before Grade One Magistrate Ochieng Yafesi, who remanded him to prison until February 11, 2026, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard at 9:00 a.m.
The case has drawn attention from opposition leaders and human rights activists, who have raised concerns over enforced disappearances and the manner in which opposition figures are handled by security agencies.
Court proceedings will resume next week as the state and defense prepare for the bail hearing.
