(Kampala) – Achileo Kivumbi, the head of security for the National Unity Platform (NUP), appeared before the Makindye General Court Martial yesterday, weeks after being granted bail on October 22, 2024. During the session, the prosecution presented a witness who was one of the arresting officers involved in Kivumbi’s case. The witness called for the cancellation of Kivumbi’s bail, arguing that he had publicly exposed the torture he allegedly endured during his arrest and subsequent detention.
However, Kivumbi’s defense team objected to the request for bail cancellation, and the court allowed his release to stand for the time being. The witness also made a statement claiming that Kivumbi was arrested on August 2, 2024, at 11:00 PM, but Kivumbi’s legal team asserted that he was abducted the evening before, on August 1, 2024, at around 8:00 PM from his home in Nansana.
Additionally, the prosecution witness stated that Kivumbi was detained at the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Kireka, but the defense disputed this, stating that he had actually been held at the Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS) headquarters in Mbuya, not Kireka. The witness was unable to provide any supporting documentation to verify the claims regarding the detention location.
The case has been adjourned to December 18, 2024, for further hearings. Kivumbi’s legal team, led by counsels George Musisi and Benjamin Katana, has continued to advocate for his right to a fair trial and justice throughout the process.
Case Details
Information
Defendant
Achileo Kivumbi, NUP Security Head
Court
Makindye General Court Martial
Date of Bail Grant
October 22, 2024
Prosecution Request
Cancellation of bail
Witness Testimony
Claims Kivumbi’s arrest was on August 2, 2024, and detention at SIU Kireka
Defense Response
Disputed arrest date and detention location (Mbuya, not Kireka)
Next Hearing Date
December 18, 2024
The NUP has expressed gratitude for the support from their legal team and continues to advocate for Kivumbi’s release, urging justice for all political prisoners in Uganda.
