Former Butambala County legislator and National Unity Platform (NUP) vice president for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, alongside 24 co-accused individuals, has formally asked the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala to grant them bail as they await trial on terrorism charges.
The bail application, filed by Lukwago & Company Advocates in partnership with Alaka & Company Advocates, argues that the accused are entitled to temporary release under constitutional provisions guaranteeing personal liberty and fair trial rights.
The applicants were arrested on different dates between January 14 and January 21, 2026, during heightened political tension in the run-up to Uganda’s general elections.
Initially, the suspects appeared before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges related to incitement to violence and destruction of property. They were later remanded to various detention facilities, including Kabasanda Government Prison, Mpigi Women’s Prison and Naguru Remand Home.
However, prosecutors later revised the charge sheet, dropping the earlier accusations and replacing them with terrorism-related offences, bringing all 25 suspects under one case file.
Court documents indicate that Kivumbi was arrested on January 21 and detained at Butambala Police Station for three days before appearing in court on January 23. He was subsequently transferred to Kitalya Prison, where he remains on remand.
In his sworn affidavit, Kivumbi describes himself as a responsible citizen with established roots in both Wakiso and Butambala districts. He cites his permanent residence in Buwate, Kira Municipality, as well as his ancestral home in Butambala, as proof of his fixed place of abode.
He also highlights his long-standing public service, noting that he has represented Butambala County in Parliament for 15 years and currently heads Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
The applicants insist they have clean criminal records and strong family connections that make it unlikely for them to flee if released. They further state that they are willing to comply with any conditions the court may impose.
Several high-profile figures have stood surety for the group, including Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, alongside close family members.
The defence also argues that the continued detention of the accused, without committal for trial, undermines their constitutional presumption of innocence and amounts to prolonged incarceration without due process.
Prosecution alleges that Kivumbi played a leading role in organising attacks targeting Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre. State prosecutors claim the incidents were intended to intimidate the public and pressure government institutions for political and financial motives.
Investigators further allege that the violence led to extensive property destruction along the Butambala–Gomba road, damaging multiple vehicles and infrastructure.
Authorities say seven people lost their lives during the unrest, a factor the prosecution cites as evidence of the gravity of the alleged offences and the threat posed to national security.
The International Crimes Division has not yet assigned a judge to hear the bail application, and no hearing date has been fixed.
For now, Kivumbi and his co-accused remain in custody as they await the court’s next direction.