By Wamala Sipirian
Published: October 1, 2026
A man identifying himself as a former Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) lieutenant has released video footage he claims was recorded inside a military safehouse, with clips appearing to show opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
Herbert Matanda Mabonga published the footage on social media alongside allegations of torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by security personnel.
However, the location and date of the recordings could not be independently verified, and the UPDF had not publicly responded to Mabonga’s allegations at the time of the initial report.
One clip appears to show Mugumya, a former aide to opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, walking slowly around a compound while accompanied by another man. The footage appears to show him struggling to walk and undertaking what looks like a rehabilitation or physiotherapy exercise.
In another part of the footage, Mugumya is seen wearing a yellow campaign T-shirt bearing President Yoweri Museveni’s image.
Other clips appear to show the interior of a house, including rooms and bedding that Mabonga said were associated with detainees.
Another video appears to show a military officer checking Kivumbi’s blood pressure.
Mabonga Claims Military Intelligence Background
Before releasing the footage, Mabonga published a lengthy video in which he identified himself as a UPDF lieutenant and said he had served in the military for about 15 years.
He claimed to have worked as an intelligence officer under Defence Intelligence and Security, formerly known as the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence.
Mabonga also claimed to have served as an aide to former Internal Affairs Minister Gen Aronda Nyakairima and the late Brig Gen Tom Kikoyo Kabuye, who served as Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence.
He said he had since left the army.
Mabonga alleged that he had attempted to raise concerns through internal military channels over what he described as arbitrary arrests, disappearances, kidnappings and torture.
He further claimed to have additional recordings and other evidence concerning alleged detention and mistreatment at security facilities.
His identity, military service history and account of how he obtained the footage have not been independently verified.
Kivumbi Had Recently Been Released on Bail
The footage emerged shortly after Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform’s deputy president for Buganda and former Butambala County MP, was granted bail by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 29.
The court granted him Shs3 million cash bail, while his sureties were ordered to execute non-cash bonds of Shs2 million each.
Kivumbi faces charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society, allegations he has denied. The prosecution alleges that he made statements encouraging members of the public to commit violence against government officials and overthrow the government during a gathering in Butambala in July.
The charges are separate from a terrorism case in which Kivumbi and other suspects are facing proceedings before the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
His lawyers have previously alleged that he was tortured while in detention. Those allegations remain claims by his defence team.
Calls for Answers Over Mugumya
The footage involving Mugumya has prompted reactions from opposition figures and lawyers.
Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Dr Kizza Besigye, expressed concern after seeing the footage.
Lawyer Eron Kiiza also called for Mugumya’s release, claiming that witnesses had previously placed him at what they described as a military detention facility in Kasenyi, Wakiso District.
Kiiza alleged that Mugumya had been illegally detained and subjected to severe mistreatment. These claims have not been independently established.
Mabonga’s release of the footage has therefore raised renewed questions about the whereabouts and treatment of people allegedly held at security facilities.
For now, the circumstances under which the videos were recorded, the identities of all individuals shown and the allegations made by Mabonga remain subject to verification.
Sources
- Pulse Uganda, September 30, 2026
- Daily Monitor, September 29, 2026
- The Observer, September 29, 2026
- Nile Post, September 29, 2026
- Statements attributed to Herbert Matanda Mabonga, Winnie Byanyima and lawyer Eron Kiiza