Former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been released on bail after spending a combined period of about 250 days in custody since his first arrest following the January 2026 elections.
Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president, was on Tuesday granted Shs 3 million cash bail by Butambala grade one magistrate Aminah Wahab.
The magistrate also directed his sureties to execute non-cash bonds of Shs 2 million each. Kivumbi was further ordered to deposit all his travel documents, including his passport, and barred from travelling to Butambala except to attend family gatherings.
His release follows his latest arrest in July 2026 on charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society. The prosecution opposed his bail application, arguing that his release could affect public peace and security.
However, his lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, argued that Kivumbi was entitled to bail and had consistently complied with court procedures.
Prosecution alleges that Kivumbi made statements encouraging people to rise against the government during a gathering in Butambala in July. Kivumbi has denied the allegations and said the charges are politically motivated.
His latest arrest came shortly after he secured Shs 10 million cash bail from the International Crimes Division of the High court in a separate terrorism case. He was re-arrested two days after his release and taken to Butambala Magistrate’s court to face the new charges.
In the terrorism case, the State accuses Kivumbi and other suspects of involvement in election-related violence, including attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the destruction of electoral property in Butambala during the January 2026 elections.
Seven people are reported to have died at Kivumbi’s home in the aftermath of the violence.
Kivumbi’s release on Tuesday was welcomed by his family, NUP leaders and supporters who gathered at the court premises. Among those present were Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya.
Supporters outside the court broke into song and celebration as Kivumbi’s lawyers processed the bail and other documents required for his release. Kivumbi is expected back in court on October 29, 2026, for further directions in the case.
In other words, thank God/Allah!
But whoever (Christian or Muslim) is behind this malicious prosecution charges, should be reminded about the 9th of the 10 Commandments (Decalogue) which says: “thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbour”!
In the good-old-days of the Rule of the 10 Commandment Laws; whoever bears a false witness against his/her neighbour, but in the event the falsely accused is found innocent, the accuser without any further ado, shall automatically suffer the penalties and/or sentences related to this this Commandment (9th).
E.g., whoever falsely accused Hon Muwanga Kivumbi of terrorism would automatically be found guilty and suffers the Death Sentence, or a life sentence imprisonment.
In other words, “bearing false” witness against thy neighbour/s is fundamentally “causing emotional and/or physical harm” to an innocent neighbour/s.
E.g., between 2005 and 2006, Consider the emotional/physical harm Dr. Besigye suffered from the false charge of raping Ms. Kyakuwa as well as treason, brought on him by former IGP Gen Kayihura/Tibuhaburwa and/or Afande Elizabeth Kuteesa!
And that the court presided over by Justice Katusi found Dr. Besigye INNOCENT, he (Katusi) would have automatically sentenced Gen Kayihura, Liz Kuteesa and the Prosecution Witness, Jennifer Aryemo of this country to death by hanging at dawn. Kepis