The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has pushed forward the hearing of a bail application filed by former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 other suspects facing terrorism-related charges linked to post-election violence in Butambala District.
The accused had been expected to appear before Justice Susan Okalany on Monday for the hearing of their application seeking temporary release from custody. However, the matter was adjourned to June 1, 2026, after court officials cited the ongoing Annual Prosecutors Symposium taking place in Kampala.
According to the prosecution, the charges arise from violent incidents that occurred shortly after the January 15 general election. Investigators allege that attacks targeted Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, resulting in the deaths of seven people and widespread destruction of property.
State prosecutors claim the attacks were intended to pressure government authorities and spread fear among members of the public for political and economic motives. The prosecution further maintains that the acts threatened national security and endangered civilian lives.
Kivumbi, who also serves as the National Unity Platform (NUP) Vice President for Central Uganda, was arrested on January 21, 2026. He was later arraigned before court on January 23 and remanded to Kitalya Mini Max Prison, where he remains in custody.
The former legislator is jointly charged alongside Bruhan Matovu, Karam Bukenya, Wilson Muyinda, Waigoina Abdul Swaburu, Kiberu Hecklous, Kasozi Fahad Kiiza, Kelvin Kayanja, Twain Ssesanga, Brian Ssewanyana, Brian Muwanguzi, Nicholas Walakira, Musa Ssekabo, Joseph Wakikaatu, Rahim Mubiru, Donovan Ssentongo, Madinah Namaganda, Hannifah Nakibuuka, Paul Mawanda, Jackson Bumbi, Peter Baribuza, Mukiibi Yusuf Kwamira, Ivan Akankwasa, Yusuf Ramathan Kiwanuka, and Brian Owori.
Court documents indicate that several of the co-accused were initially charged before the Butambala Chief Magistrates Court with offences including incitement to violence and malicious damage to property. Those charges were later withdrawn, and the charge sheet was amended to include terrorism offences against all the accused persons.
In their application for bail, the suspects argue that they have remained on remand for months without being committed to the High Court for trial because investigations are still ongoing. They contend that the prolonged detention violates their constitutional rights and undermines the presumption of innocence.
Kivumbi describes himself in court documents as a law-abiding citizen and long-serving political leader with permanent residences in both Wakiso and Butambala districts. His legal team argues that he and the co-accused have fixed places of residence and reliable sureties, reducing any risk of absconding if released on bail.
Among the individuals presented as sureties for Kivumbi are Joel Ssenyonyi, David Lewis Rubongoya, Sarah Lutaaya, Musa Lutaaya, and Fatuma Lutaaya.
Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, defence lawyer Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa said the legal team had only been informed about the postponement after arriving at court. While acknowledging the reason given by court, he expressed disappointment over the late communication.
He said the defence team is now preparing to argue the bail application on June 1, before returning to the Butambala Chief Magistrates Court on June 4 for an update on the status of investigations.
The case remains under active investigation as proceedings continue before both the International Crimes Division and the Butambala Chief Magistrates Court.
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