Ex-MP Kivumbi, 24 others seek bail over terrorism charges

Outgoing Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, along with 24 co-accused individuals, has lodged a joint bail application before the International Crimes Division of the High Court. The group, currently remanded at various correctional facilities, seeks temporary release pending their trial for terrorism-related charges.

Central to their application is the prolonged period they have spent on remand without being committed to the High Court for trial. The accused contend that the prosecution has repeatedly cited ongoing investigations as the reason for delays. Court documents indicate that despite multiple appearances before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, no trial date has been set, and the matter is characterized by procrastination.

Muwanga Kivumbi, who also serves as the Vice President for Central Uganda in the National Unity Platform, was arrested on January 21, 2026. Initially charged with terrorism contrary to the Anti-Terrorism Act, his co-accused were first charged with incitement to violence and malicious damage to property before the charges were amended to include terrorism charges for all.

In an affidavit supporting the bail application, Kivumbi, 52, presented himself as a law-abiding citizen with no prior criminal convictions and deep community ties. He asserted his commitment to upholding the rule of law and stated he has fixed places of abode in Wakiso and Butambala districts. He believes his continued detention impedes his constitutional duties as an elected leader and chairperson of Parliament’s COSASE committee.

The applicants argue they are responsible citizens with substantial sureties, including Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and David Lewis Rubongoya, who can guarantee their appearance in court. They emphasize that granting bail aligns with the interest of justice, fairness, and the constitutional doctrine of the presumption of innocence.

The case originates from alleged incidents in Butambala District between January 11 and 17, 2026. Prosecution alleges that Kivumbi and others, still at large, carried out acts intended to influence or intimidate the government and orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, allegedly resulting in seven deaths. The International Crimes Division has yet to schedule a hearing for the bail application.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)