Muwanga Kivumbi Granted Bail as Butambala Community Calls for Respect of Due Process

BUTAMBALA, UGANDA — Former Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been granted bail by the High Court, bringing relief to his family, supporters and residents of Butambala who have closely followed his legal battle.

Kivumbi was granted bail after spending months on remand in connection with terrorism-related charges arising from violence reported in Butambala during the January 2026 general election period. He has denied the allegations against him.

The International Crimes Division of the High Court granted Kivumbi cash bail of Shs10 million, while several of his co-accused were also granted bail under conditions set by the court. The court also imposed conditions including reporting requirements and restrictions on international travel.

The bail decision was welcomed by supporters who have maintained that Kivumbi should be allowed to exercise his rights through the judicial process.

However, concerns have also been raised over his previous reported re-arrest shortly after an earlier bail decision. In July 2026, Kivumbi’s lawyers said he was intercepted by security personnel in Mpigi shortly after his release. Parliament subsequently heard concerns from opposition leaders about his whereabouts.

The circumstances surrounding that incident have been disputed, and authorities had not immediately issued a public statement addressing the reported re-arrest at the time of the reports.

For supporters in Butambala, the latest court decision is therefore more than a legal development. It has become a moment for renewed calls for respect for due process and the rights of an accused person as the case proceeds.

Messages of solidarity have continued to come from people who have followed Kivumbi’s case, with particular appreciation directed towards the people of Butambala for what supporters describe as a strong show of solidarity throughout the proceedings.

As Kivumbi’s case continues through the courts, attention is now expected to remain focused on ensuring that all parties follow the conditions set by the court and that the outstanding allegations are determined through the judicial process.

Under Uganda’s legal system, being charged with an offence does not by itself amount to a conviction, and the accused remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The people of Butambala, meanwhile, continue to watch closely as the legal process unfolds.