Former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is out on bail after spending a combined period of about 250 days in custody since his first arrest following the January 2026 elections. Kivumbi, who is also the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President, was on Tuesday granted Shs3 million cash bail by the Butambala Grade One Magistrate Aminah Wahab.
She also directed his sureties to execute non-cash bonds of Shs2 million each. The court further directed Kivumbi to deposit all his travel documents, including his passport, and barred him from travelling to Butambala except to attend family gatherings. Kivumbi’s release follows his latest arrest in July 2026 on charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.
The prosecution had opposed his application for bail, arguing that his release could affect public peace and security. However, his lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, argued that Kivumbi had a right to bail and had consistently complied with court procedures. The prosecution alleges that Kivumbi made statements encouraging people to rise against the government during a gathering in Butambala in July.
Kivumbi has denied the allegations and maintained that the charges are politically motivated. His latest arrest came shortly after he secured Shs10 million cash bail from the International Crimes Division of the High Court in a separate terrorism case. He was re-arrested two days after his release and taken to the Butambala Magistrate’s Court to face the new charges.
In the terrorism case, the State accuses Kivumbi and other suspects of involvement in election-related violence, including attacks on Kibibi Police Station and destruction of electoral property in Butambala during the January 2026 elections. Seven people are reported to have died at Kivumbi’s home in the aftermath of the violence. Kivumbi’s release on Tuesday was welcomed by his family, NUP leaders and supporters who gathered at the court premises.
Among those present were Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Supporters outside the court broke into songs and celebrations as Kivumbi’s lawyers processed the bail and other documents required for his release. Kivumbi is expected back in court on October 29, 2026, for further directions in the case-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
