Muwanga Kivumbi, 24 Co-Accused Apply for Bail

Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Vice President for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, together with 24 co-accused persons, has applied for bail before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala as they await trial on terrorism charges.

The application, filed under Criminal Miscellaneous Application Number 2026 arising from Criminal Case Number 002 of 2026 at the Chief Magistrates Court in Butambala, seeks the temporary release of Kivumbi and his co-accused, who are currently remanded at Kitalya Mini-Max Prison, Naguru Remand Home, and Luzira Women’s Prison. The co-applicants include Bruhan Matovu, Karam Bukenya, Wilson Muyinda, Waigoina Abdul Swaburu, Kiberu Hecklous, Kasoozi Fahad Kiiza, Kelvin Kayanja, Twain Ssesanga, Brian Ssewanyana, Brian Muwanguzi, Nicholas Walakira, Musa Ssekabo, Joseph Wakikaatu, Rahim Mubiru, Donovan Ssentongo, Madinah Namaganda, Hannifah Nakibuuka, Paul Mawanda, Jackson Bumbi, Peter Baribuza, Mukiibi Yusuf Kwamira, Ivan Akankwasa, Yusuf Ramathan Kiwanuka, and Brian Owori.

According to court documents filed jointly by Lukwago & Company Advocates and Alaka & Company Advocates, the accused argue that they are entitled to bail under Article 23 of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Trial on Indictments Act. They state that they were arrested between January 14 and January 21, 2026, during the period leading up to the general elections, before being arraigned before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Butambala.

Court records further indicate that the accused were initially charged on January 20, 2026, with incitement to violence and malicious property damage and remanded to Kabasanda Government Prison, Mpigi Women’s Prison, and Naguru Remand Home until February 3, 2026. However, when they later returned to court, the prosecution reportedly withdrew the initial charges and amended the charge sheet, adding all 24 co-accused to a terrorism case.

Kivumbi, who was arrested on January 21, 2026, is now charged with terrorism under Sections 6(1)(a) and 3(o) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, Cap 120. In his affidavit, Kivumbi states that he was detained at Butambala Police Station for three days before being arraigned in court on January 23, 2026, after which he was remanded to Kitalya Prison, where he has remained. He further argues that despite multiple court appearances, the accused have not yet been committed to the High Court for trial because investigations are still ongoing.

Describing himself as a 52-year-old law-abiding citizen, family man, and experienced legislator, Kivumbi states that he has a permanent residence in Buwate Village, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and an ancestral home in Butambala District. He further notes that he has served as MP for Butambala for the past 15 years and currently chairs Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).

The applicants argue that they have no criminal record, have strong family and community ties, and are unlikely to abscond if granted bail. They also say they are ready to comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court. Among the sureties presented are Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, and family members, including Sarah Lutaaya, Musa Lutaaya, and Fatuma Lutaaya.

The group further argues that prolonged detention without committal for trial violates their constitutional right to the presumption of innocence. They also contend that since terrorism offences are triable only by the High Court, the International Crimes Division has jurisdiction to grant them bail pending trial. According to the charge sheet, Kivumbi is alleged to have orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, with prosecution claiming the incidents were intended to influence government actions and intimidate the public for political and economic objectives.

The alleged attacks reportedly resulted in damage to infrastructure along the Butambala–Gomba road and several vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser (UBM 614Q), Ford double cabin (UBH 333U), Subaru (UBQ 496Z), Toyota Raum (UAV 378H), and Toyota Spacio (UAQ 033X). Seven people are reported to have died in the violence, including Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro, and Davis Basaliza.

Prosecution describes the alleged acts as prejudicial to national security, saying they were carried out indiscriminately and without regard for civilian life and property. The International Crimes Division has not yet fixed a hearing date for the bail application, and the case has not yet been assigned to a judge. The accused remain on remand as they await further court directions.