Ugandan journalist and lawyer Gideon Tugume has announced a Shs2 billion civil lawsuit against the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Kisubi Hospital over what he alleges were unlawful arrest, prolonged detention, torture and medical procedures conducted without his consent.
Tugume says his ordeal began on July 6, 2026, when he was allegedly arrested without a warrant and held incommunicado for approximately 20 days.
According to the journalist, he was moved between several undisclosed military facilities during his detention and subjected to what he describes as physical and psychological torture before eventually being transferred under military escort to Kisubi Hospital.
Tugume Alleges Medical Procedures Were Done Without Consent
One of the central issues in Tugume’s planned lawsuit is his claim that he underwent invasive medical procedures while under military guard without giving informed consent.
He alleges that doctors at Kisubi Hospital conducted an endoscopy and other examinations without explaining the procedures to him or obtaining his approval.
“Kisubi Hospital conducted an endoscopy on me without my consent. I was under gunpoint. I never signed any consent forms, and no one explained the procedure to me,” Tugume alleged.
He argues that the alleged circumstances surrounding his treatment violated his rights as a patient.
Journalist Claims Medical Information Was Shared With Military
Tugume has also accused Kisubi Hospital of allegedly breaching doctor-patient confidentiality.
He claims that after undergoing several blood tests, including an HIV test, medical results were handed directly to military personnel instead of being communicated to him.
The journalist says he has not received copies of his medical reports or been given a full explanation of the examinations he underwent.
Tugume Raises Questions Over His Identity At Hospital
The journalist further alleges that he was admitted and treated at Kisubi Hospital under the name “Tumwine Julius” instead of his real name.
Tugume says he repeatedly informed medical personnel that the name was incorrect but alleges that the identity continued to be used during his treatment.
He argues that the alleged use of another identity raises questions about the circumstances under which he was admitted to the facility.
Why Was Tugume Arrested?
Tugume believes his arrest was connected to comments he made during a live appearance on Radio 4, where he questioned whether Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is President Yoweri Museveni’s biological son and suggested that a DNA test could settle the matter.
He says he was subsequently arrested and detained without being informed of the charges against him.
Tugume also alleges that he was transferred between different military facilities without being brought before a competent court.
Following public pressure and calls for his release, he regained his freedom around July 24, 2026.
Tugume Claims He Encountered More Than 100 Detainees
Since his release, Tugume has spoken publicly about his experience in detention, claiming that he encountered more than 100 other detainees during his time in military custody.
He now wants the courts to determine whether his arrest and detention were lawful and whether his constitutional rights were violated.
Shs2 Billion Lawsuit Targets UPDF, Muhoozi And Hospital
Tugume says his planned Shs2 billion civil suit will seek compensation over what he describes as unlawful arrest, illegal detention, torture, invasion of privacy, breach of medical confidentiality and medical negligence.
“Why did they arrest me? Why did they torture me? Why did they take me to the hospital, and more importantly, into the theatre? Somebody must be held accountable,” Tugume said.
The case is expected to raise questions surrounding the legality of Tugume’s arrest and detention, the alleged treatment he received while in custody, whether informed consent was obtained for medical procedures and whether his medical information was unlawfully disclosed.
As of the time of Tugume’s announcement, the UPDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Kisubi Hospital had not publicly responded to the specific allegations.
The allegations remain unproven, and any court proceedings would provide the accused parties with an opportunity to respond and present their evidence.
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