Politics 29 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Muwanga Kivumbi Detained at Kitalya on New Incitement Charges
Former MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been remanded to Kitalya Prison after facing new charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society. He appeared in court following 19 days incommunicado, alleging torture and mistreatment during his detention. Source: https://observer.ug/news/muwanga-kivumbi-remanded-to-kitalya-on-fresh-charges-of-inciting-violence
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the former Member of Parliament for Butambala County and a vice-president of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for the Buganda region, has been ordered to Kitalya Prison. This comes after he was formally charged with inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.
Kivumbi appeared before Grade One Magistrate Amina Wahab at the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court. His appearance followed 19 days of detention during which he was reportedly held incommunicado. The charges stem from alleged incidents on July 9, 2026, in Butambala district, where he is accused of inciting the public to commit violence against government officials and to overthrow the government.
The prosecution also alleges that Kivumbi, along with others, managed an unlawful society by organizing and supporting efforts to unlawfully overthrow the Ugandan government. Kivumbi’s legal team revealed that he was brought to Nateete police station before being transferred to Butambala to face these new charges. They stated that neither his family nor his lawyers were informed of his whereabouts during his detention.
Appearing visibly weakened, Kivumbi alleged to the court that he had suffered torture and mistreatment, displaying injuries. His lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, indicated that Kivumbi requires immediate medical attention. The defense team presented sureties for bail, including the Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, but the magistrate remanded Kivumbi until August 11, citing the need to verify the sureties’ documentation and allowing the prosecution time to investigate.
Kivumbi had previously been arrested on January 22, 2026, following violence allegedly linked to the January 15 general elections and was later granted bail. However, he was re-arrested the following day. His supporters suspect these new charges might be related to critical remarks he made publicly after his initial release, targeting prominent political figures.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)