Muwanga Kivumbi, 16 Others Granted Bail in Terrorism Case

Former Member of Parliament for Butambala County, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, along with 16 other individuals, have been granted bail. They had been in remand for approximately six months, facing terrorism-related charges.

Justice Susan Okalany, deputy head of the International Crimes Division (ICD), announced the ruling on Thursday. Kivumbi was granted cash bail amounting to Shs 10 million, with each of his three sureties required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 5 million. His 16 co-accused were granted Shs 1 million cash bail each, with their sureties also posting Shs 5 million non-cash bonds.

Several conditions were attached to the bail, including the deposit of Kivumbi’s passport and monthly reporting to both the ICD registrar and the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s court. Travel outside Uganda is also prohibited without prior court permission. However, the bail applications for six co-accused were deferred due to insufficient sureties; they are expected to present new sureties on July 13, 2026.

The ruling noted that if the accused are not committed for trial within one year, they can seek a review of their bail terms. The bail applications were filed on May 4, 2026, with the defence arguing that the accused have fixed residences, community ties, and are presumed innocent.

The prosecution had opposed the bail, citing ongoing investigations and the risk of interference with witnesses and evidence. The charges against Kivumbi and his co-accused relate to alleged attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre during the January 2026 elections, which reportedly resulted in property destruction and fatalities.

The court’s decision was met with a significant presence of supporters from the National Unity Platform (NUP) at the ICD premises, escorted by heavy security.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/muwanga-kivumbi-16-others-granted-bail