Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 co-accused have petitioned the International Crimes Division of the High Court for release on bail as they await trial over terrorism-related allegations.
The group, which includes several supporters and associates linked to the opposition National Unity Platform, is currently being held in different detention facilities, among them Kitalya Mini-Max Prison, Naguru Remand Home, and Luzira Women’s Prison.
In their application before the High Court in Kampala, the accused argue that they are legally entitled to temporary freedom while investigations continue. Through their lawyers, they contend that the Constitution guarantees the right to apply for bail and maintain that they should not remain incarcerated indefinitely before trial.
According to court filings, many of the accused were arrested in the days leading to the 2026 general elections. Prosecutors initially charged some of them with offences related to incitement and destruction of property before later revising the case and adding terrorism charges involving all the accused persons.
Kivumbi, who also serves as the vice president for Central Uganda in NUP, was reportedly detained for several days at a police station in Butambala before being produced in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison.
He maintains that investigations are still incomplete despite numerous court appearances, and that the case has not yet been committed to the High Court for full trial proceedings.
In affidavits supporting the bail request, the accused describe themselves as law-abiding citizens with fixed homes, family responsibilities, and strong community connections. Kivumbi states that he has represented Butambala County in Parliament for over a decade and currently heads Parliament’s COSASE committee.
The applicants further argue that they pose no risk of absconding and are prepared to comply with any conditions the court may impose. Several prominent figures have reportedly been presented as sureties, including Joel Ssenyonyi and David Lewis Rubongoya.
Court documents indicate that the prosecution accuses Kivumbi of coordinating attacks on a police station and an Electoral Commission tally centre in Butambala during the election period. Investigators claim the incidents were intended to intimidate the public and influence government actions.
The alleged violence reportedly led to the destruction of road infrastructure and multiple vehicles, while several people are said to have lost their lives during the unrest.
State prosecutors have described the alleged acts as a threat to national security and argue that they were carried out recklessly, endangering both lives and property.
The International Crimes Division has not yet scheduled the bail hearing or assigned the matter to a judge. Meanwhile, all the accused remain on remand awaiting further court directions.
English 