# Uganda opposition detention crackdown

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uganda-opposition-detention-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-08-04T16:31:15.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, nine supporters of Uganda’s National Unity Platform were released after nearly six years of detention without trial. Their freedom came via amnesty certificates after a military court referred the cases to ordinary courts, a move welcomed by NUP leader Bobi Wine but criticized for the prolonged use of military tribunals.

A few days later, a video surfaced showing Sam Mugumya, an aide to opposition figure Kizza Besigye, severely emaciated after a year‑long disappearance. Activists and the Uganda Law Society blamed the military for his incommunicado detention and demanded his release. The contrasting events illustrate that, while limited amnesties are being granted, forced disappearances and harsh detention of opposition figures remain a persistent feature of President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Uganda opposition aide Sam Mugumya appears emaciated in video after year-long disappearance

Uganda opposition aide Sam Mugumya, missing for a year, was shown emaciated in a video; family and activists blame the government, prompting a law‑society petition for his release.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-opposition-aide-sam-mugumya-appears-emaciated-in-video-after-year-long-disappearance

### 2026-07-31: Uganda opposition supporters released after six years in detention

Uganda's NUP sees nine opposition supporters freed after six years in detention, following military‑court amnesty; leader Bobi Wine criticises the process.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-opposition-supporters-released-after-six-years-in-detention

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Cite as: Uganda opposition detention crackdown. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uganda-opposition-detention-crackdown