KAMPALA, Uganda — The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court in Wandegeya on Thursday granted cash bail to former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 12 of his co-accused in a high profile terrorism case linked to post election violence.
Justice Susan Okalany ruled that Kivumbi, who serves as National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda and Central Uganda, be released on a cash bail of UGX 10 million. His 12 co-accused were each granted UGX 1 million cash bail. Bail applications for six other accused persons were deferred after the court found their proposed sureties inadequate, with their applications set to be reconsidered next week.
The court imposed standard bail conditions, including surrendering passports, not leaving the country without court permission, and reporting to court once every month. Kivumbi and the other accused granted bail had spent 169 days on remand at Kitalya Prison following their arrests earlier this year.
Kivumbi, together with 23 co-accused, faces terrorism charges under the Anti Terrorism Act. Prosecutors allege they participated in attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Electoral Commission tally center in Gombe Town Council, Butambala District, following the January 2026 presidential election. The prosecution says the attacks resulted in the deaths of seven people, destruction of property, and damage to several vehicles. Kivumbi, his co-accused and NUP have denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated.
The case followed Kivumbi’s arrest during a security operation at his home in Butambala District amid tensions after the election. He was formally charged in late January 2026 and has appeared in court several times as investigations progressed. Earlier hearings were marked by procedural disputes, including proceedings continuing in the absence of state prosecutors and extensive cross examination of sureties.
The ruling marks a partial victory for the defence after months on remand. State prosecutors had strongly opposed bail, arguing that releasing the accused could lead to interference with witnesses and compromise ongoing investigations. However, the court ruled that those granted bail had met the legal requirements for release.
Muwanga Kivumbi, a prominent opposition figure and close ally of Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, lost his parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Election. His arrest and prosecution have drawn national attention, with opposition leaders arguing that the charges reflect a broader crackdown on political dissent. The trial is expected to continue, with all accused required to comply with the court’s bail conditions pending the conclusion of the case.
