The International Crimes Division of the High Court has granted bail to former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and several co-accused, bringing partial relief to the high-profile terrorism suspects who have been in remand for months following post-election violence in January 2026.
Justice Susan Okalany presided over the proceedings at the court in Wandegeya, where Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, appeared alongside approximately 23 co-accused. The ruling comes after a series of dramatic hearings marked by prosecution absences, cross-examinations of sureties, and intense legal arguments.
Kivumbi, a 52-year-old economist and veteran politician, was arrested on January 22, 2026, just days after Uganda’s general elections.
His detention stemmed from violent incidents in Butambala District on the night of January 15-16, following the announcement of results that saw President Yoweri Museveni declared the winner for another term.
According to police and prosecution accounts, machete-wielding groups allegedly attacked a police station in Kibibi and an electoral commission tallying centre. The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with security forces also implicated in shootings outside Kivumbi’s residence.
Authorities accused Kivumbi and his associates of orchestrating the attacks to intimidate the government for political ends, charging them under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Kivumbi was arraigned in Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court and remanded to Kitalya Prison. The NUP and his legal team have consistently denied the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated persecution of opposition figures allied with presidential candidate Bobi Wine.
They argue that Kivumbi’s supporters were victims rather than perpetrators, with security forces responsible for excessive force.
The case was later committed to the High Court’s International Crimes Division. Over the following months, Kivumbi and his co-accused remained in custody at facilities including Kitalya Mini Max Prison, Naguru Remand Home, and Luzira. Some juveniles charged alongside them were granted bail earlier in separate proceedings.
Bail hearings in June encountered significant drama. On June 1, state prosecutors failed to appear promptly due to commitments in another high-profile case, prompting Justice Okalany to proceed with defence submissions in their absence.
Defence lawyers, including Medard Sseggona and others, criticised the prosecution’s opposition affidavit as generic and contradictory. They highlighted the applicants’ fixed abodes, community ties, and substantial sureties while invoking the presumption of innocence.
The state, represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko and others, strongly opposed release. They argued that investigations were ongoing, warning that the accused could interfere with witnesses, abscond, or pose risks to public safety given the gravity of terrorism charges. Prosecutors also disputed Kivumbi’s portrayal as a statesman, noting shifts in his parliamentary status.
After multiple adjournments and verification of sureties, the court ultimately ruled in favour of bail for Kivumbi and several co-accused, imposing strict conditions including substantial cash or non-cash bonds, surrender of travel documents, regular reporting to police, and restrictions on political activities or contact with witnesses. Exact terms are expected to be formalised in the coming days.
The development has sparked mixed reactions across Uganda’s political landscape. NUP supporters and opposition voices hailed it as a victory for justice and an acknowledgment of prolonged pre-trial detention. Government-aligned figures and some security officials expressed concerns over potential risks. The main trial is expected to proceed, with the prosecution yet to fully commit the file amid claims of evidentiary challenges.
Kivumbi’s case underscores the deep political tensions following the 2026 elections. As a former chairperson of key parliamentary committees and a prominent Buganda caucus leader, his arrest drew international attention, with observers monitoring Uganda’s handling of opposition figures and rule of law.
Legal analysts note that while bail offers temporary freedom, the underlying terrorism charges carry severe penalties if proven. Both sides are preparing for a protracted trial that could further illuminate the events of January 2026 in Butambala. For now, Muwanga Kivumbi steps out of custody after over five months, rejoining family and supporters amid a charged national atmosphere.