Kivumbi, 23 Others Remanded as Court Declines to Proceed Without Case File

Proceedings in the terrorism case involving former Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 23 co-accused stalled once more, leading to their remand until July 16, 2026. The adjournment came after the prosecution informed Butambala Grade One Magistrate Deogratious Sejjemba that the crucial police case file was unavailable.

State Attorney Arthur Masaaba requested the delay, stating the file could not be located and an adjournment was needed to track it down. “The police file in this matter is not here in court. It is my humble prayer for an adjournment so that we can follow up the file and proceed with the case,” Masaaba submitted.

The defense, led by lawyer Samuel Muyizi, strongly opposed the adjournment. Muyizi accused the State of dishonesty and poor handling of the case, questioning the very existence of a case file and any recorded statements from the accused. “Your Honour, the State is not being truthful in this matter. The reality is that they do not have a case file,” Muyizi argued.

Muyizi further alleged that the prosecution was exploiting repeated adjournments to keep the accused, including students whose universities are reopening, on remand without substantial evidence. He highlighted a pattern of delays where sometimes the prosecutor is absent, and other times the file is missing.

When questioned by the magistrate, Masaaba stated it was his first time handling the matter and could not explain the file’s absence, noting a previous prosecutor was assigned. Magistrate Sejjemba urged both parties to agree on a return date and to actively pursue the missing file.

Muwanga Kivumbi and his co-accused were previously charged with terrorism-related offenses connected to the 2026 general election period.

This report was adapted from Nile Post.