NUP’s Achileo Kivumbi: “I Was Harassed Both Physically and Psychologically in Army Barracks

In a deeply troubling turn of events that underscores the ongoing human rights abuses in Uganda, Achileo Kivumbi, a bodyguard for National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (commonly known as Bobi Wine), has been granted bail by the General Court Martial. Kivumbi, who was detained on charges of possessing materials reserved exclusively for the military, claims he endured severe torture while in custody. His release comes amidst rising concerns over the widespread use of abductions and torture targeting political dissidents and members of the opposition in Uganda.

The case of Kivumbi sheds light on the dark reality of political repression in the country, where abduction, arbitrary detention, and torture have become disturbingly common tactics employed by state forces.

The Allegations of Torture
After his release on bail, Kivumbi spoke candidly about his ordeal. In an interview with NTV Uganda, he detailed the suffering he endured at the hands of security operatives during his detention. He described the excruciating pain that still wracks his body, a grim testament to the torture he claims to have experienced. The scars of physical and psychological abuse remain evident, both for him and countless others subjected to Uganda’s notorious detention centers.

Kivumbi’s arrest, on charges of possessing military-grade equipment, is seen by many as part of a broader campaign to intimidate those close to the NUP, Uganda’s main opposition party. The timing and nature of these charges raise significant concerns about the fairness of Uganda’s judicial system, especially when it comes to cases involving political opponents.

Abductions and Political Repression
Kivumbi’s case is not isolated. In recent years, Uganda has witnessed a disturbing rise in abductions, especially targeting individuals associated with opposition movements. According to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), more than 1,000 people have been reported missing since the 2021 general elections, many of whom were abducted by state security forces. Opposition figures, including Bobi Wine, have consistently decried the pattern of unlawful detentions and torture as state-sanctioned efforts to silence dissent.

The abductions have primarily targeted young men and women affiliated with the NUP. These individuals are often taken from their homes, workplaces, or off the streets by unidentified assailants. In many cases, they are held incommunicado, with their families unaware of their whereabouts for weeks or even months. Upon release, survivors frequently report being subjected to torture, which includes beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of inhumane treatment.

International and local human rights organizations have repeatedly called for an end to Uganda’s abduction and torture practices. Amnesty International, in a report on Uganda’s human rights abuses, labeled the country’s handling of political dissidents as a “human rights crisis.” They noted that the security forces, especially the military and police, operate with near-total impunity, and the judiciary rarely holds them accountable for the abuses committed.

The European Parliament, in a resolution passed in 2021, condemned the Ugandan government’s “arbitrary arrest, detention, and mistreatment” of political opposition members and activists. It called for sanctions against individuals responsible for gross human rights violations. Despite these international condemnations, the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged, with the Ugandan government dismissing most allegations as fabrications aimed at tarnishing its image.Kivumbi’s story exemplifies the Ugandan state’s broader crackdown on dissent. As a bodyguard to one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures, his arrest and torture symbolize the extent to which the government will go to dismantle opposition structures. While Kivumbi has managed to secure bail, countless others remain behind bars, their fates uncertain.

Bobi Wine himself has repeatedly condemned the abductions, arguing that the NUP and its supporters are being systematically targeted to weaken the opposition. In a press statement following Kivumbi’s release, Kyagulanyi noted, “This is yet another chapter in Uganda’s ongoing battle for democracy. They can arrest us, torture us, but they will never break our resolve.”The charges against Kivumbi, centered on his alleged possession of military materials, raise questions about the weaponization of the legal system in Uganda. It’s not uncommon for opposition figures and their associates to be charged with offenses related to state security or the military, creating a pretext for prolonged detentions and harsh treatment. These charges often lack substantive evidence, and the legal proceedings are marred by delays and irregularities.

Kivumbi’s release on bail does not mark the end of his legal battle. He will likely face continued harassment and surveillance, as is the case for many NUP members who have been released from detention. This incident also highlights the broader struggle for human rights in Uganda, where laws meant to protect citizens are routinely ignored or manipulated to serve the interests of those in power.

As Achileo Kivumbi begins the long road to recovery, his case serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent reform in Uganda’s security and justice sectors. Human rights activists, both within and outside the country, continue to push for accountability for the abductions and torture that have scarred the nation’s political landscape. However, meaningful change remains elusive, as the government continues to dismiss allegations of abuse.

For Uganda to move forward, the state must commit to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. Without accountability for the actions of security forces, the cycle of violence and repression will continue to hinder the country’s democratic progress.

The abduction and torture of individuals like Achileo Kivumbi reflect a deeper crisis of governance and human rights in Uganda. His release on bail is a temporary reprieve in a larger struggle for justice and dignity. The Ugandan government must address these allegations seriously, ensuring that security forces operate within the law and that those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable. Only then can Uganda hope to create an environment where political opposition is not met with violence and intimidation, but with the respect for democratic values that the country so desperately needs.