The High Court in Kampala has ordered security agencies to investigate the origin of videos circulating on social media that allegedly show missing political activist Sam Mugumya in a severely weakened state.

Justice Simon Peter Kinobe issued the directive on Monday while hearing a habeas corpus application seeking Mugumya’s production in court. The judge ordered the respondents — including the Chief of Defence Forces, the Commandant of the Special Forces Command, the Commanding Officer of Kasenyi Barracks, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General — to file an investigation report by 9 November 2026.

The report must detail efforts made to trace Mugumya, who has been missing for nearly two years, and establish where the footage was recorded and who filmed and circulated it. Justice Kinobe questioned why security agencies had not yet traced the source of the recordings despite the public attention they have generated.

In response, the UPDF denied abducting or detaining Mugumya. An affidavit filed by a military officer stated that investigations into his whereabouts remain ongoing and that the army is coordinating with other security agencies. The case was adjourned to 9 November to allow the state more time to report back to court.

Mugumya, a People’s Front for Freedom activist, has been the subject of repeated legal efforts by his family and colleagues seeking his production.