The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has visited the family of Sam Mugumya, who has been missing since last year, following renewed public attention sparked by a video circulating on social media.
A delegation led by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, accompanied by the Society’s Secretary, Treasurer and other council members, travelled to Rukungiri to meet Mugumya’s mother, Edinansi Katungwesi.
According to the family, Mugumya has not been seen since he was allegedly taken away by security personnel in 2025 in Mbarara.
Speaking to the ULS delegation, Katungwesi said she has spent months without knowing where her son is or what happened to him.
“Someone called me and told me that my son had been taken by security men. They said he was having tea in a restaurant when he was picked up. As far as I know, he had committed no offence, and no one in the village had any problem with him. I pray that the God who gave me my son brings him back to me,” she said.
She said the family has not received any official communication from security agencies about his whereabouts.
Katungwesi added that a video that recently circulated on social media has increased her anxiety.
“I was deeply hurt after seeing the video that is circulating,” she said.
“I thank the Uganda Law Society for coming to see me. I appeal to the government to help release him. If he committed any offence, let him be taken to court.”
Asiimwe said the ULS had taken up the matter after being approached by Mugumya’s relatives.
“The mother reached out to the Uganda Law Society to help establish where Sam Mugumya is. As the Uganda Law Society, we shall do everything within the law to assist the family and establish his whereabouts,” he said.
He said every person is entitled to protection under the Constitution and should be accorded due process.
Asiimwe also said ULS remains concerned about reports of people allegedly being held without trial and would continue advocating for observance of constitutional safeguards.
He said information available to it indicates that Mugumya was allegedly taken by military personnel travelling in what witnesses described as a “drone” vehicle on 26 August 2025. He said it intends to seek clarification from the relevant state authorities.
Gashom Mugyeni, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) electoral commissioner for Rukungiri and Mugumya’s uncle, accompanied the delegation during the visit.
“If he is in custody, he should be produced in court. We also call upon the authorities to clarify his whereabouts,” Mugyeni said.
For Katungwesi, however, the uncertainty remains the hardest burden.
“I just want to know. Whether he is alive or dead, let me know where my child is,” she cried out.
