By Eye Media | Kampala | July 9, 2026
The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has granted bail to National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Central Region, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, and his co-accused who have been on remand over terrorism-related charges.
The group was arrested in January 2026 following violence that erupted in Butambala District during and after the January 15 General Election. Prosecutors allege that between January 11 and 17, the accused orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, incidents that reportedly left seven people dead and caused extensive destruction of property.
Court records indicate that the accused were initially charged before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court with incitement to violence and malicious damage to property. However, the State later amended the charge sheet and preferred terrorism charges against the suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Kivumbi, who was arrested on January 21, 2026, was separately arraigned before court and remanded to Kitalya Prison, while his co-accused were detained in different prison facilities as investigations continued.
Over the past several months, the accused have been making several court appearances before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court and later the International Crimes Division of the High Court as investigations into the matter progressed.
In their bail application, the accused argued that the offences are bailable and that they had spent several months on remand without trial due to prolonged investigations by the State. They also maintained that they have fixed places of abode and substantial sureties and were not likely to abscond if released.
The prosecution opposed the application, citing ongoing investigations and concerns that the accused could interfere with witnesses.
However, the International Crimes Division ruled in favour of the applicants and granted them bail pending trial.
By press time, the court’s detailed bail conditions, including the cash bond and non-cash requirements, had not yet been officially released.
The accused are expected to return to court on dates that will be communicated by the trial court as preparations for the hearing of the terrorism case continue.
