The state has concluded investigations into the case against Achileo Kivumbi, the head of security at the National Unity Party (NUP) headquarters, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns in Uganda.
Kivumbi, 42, has been on remand, facing charges of unlawful possession of defense stores, a controversial accusation that many view as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures. He appeared today before the General Court Martial, chaired by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, who has scheduled the case for hearing on October 8 and his bail application for September 17.
The defense team, led by George Musisi, has requested that the court provide all evidence the prosecution intends to use, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the trial process. However, the use of military courts to try civilians has raised serious concerns about the erosion of human rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, reiterated his strong objection to the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians, referencing the Constitutional Court’s ruling that such practices are unconstitutional. “The military court is hesitant to transfer cases to civilian courts, where suspects can be released on bail, and instead seeks to subdue them into accepting plea deals in exchange for their freedom. We eagerly await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal challenging the Constitutional Court’s ruling, allowing us to move forward,” Ssenyonyi stated.
Kivumbi has consistently denied the charges, which allege he was found with a pair of Lt Col pips—classified as defense stores—on August 3, 2024, two days after he was violently abducted. Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed individuals trailed Kivumbi, assaulted him, and forced him into a waiting vehicle. This incident is part of a pattern of human rights violations in Uganda, where security forces have been accused of unlawfully detaining, torturing, and persecuting opposition supporters.
The case against Kivumbi underscores the growing repression faced by opposition members and human rights activists in Uganda, where the government continues to use military courts and other extrajudicial measures to silence dissent.
