BUTAMBALA, UGANDA — The Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday granted cash bail to Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for the Buganda region and former Butambala County Member of Parliament.
The decision follows a prolonged legal battle and months of custody stemming from charges including incitement to violence and managing an unlawful society.
Prolonged Legal Battle and Remand
Kivumbi’s court appearance came after nearly two months on remand following a series of arrests and re-arrests throughout 2026. State prosecutors alleged that Kivumbi addressed public gatherings that encouraged opposition to government officials, alongside separate allegations related to post-election unrest in Butambala District.
Rights activists, including civil society organization Agora Discourse, have tracked Kivumbi’s proceedings closely, raising awareness around due process, extended detention, and the treatment of political detainees in Uganda.
Court Decision and Conditions
The presiding magistrate granted Kivumbi a cash bail set at UGX 3 million. Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, along with family members, appeared in court to stand as sureties for Kivumbi and several co-accused individuals facing related charges.
Supporters gathered outside the court premises during the session, where campaigns under hashtags such as #JusticeForMuwangaKivumbi and #FreeMuwangaKivumbi gained traction across social media platforms.
Ongoing Proceedings
While the court’s ruling allows Kivumbi to return home and defend himself out of custody, proceedings in the underlying case are scheduled to continue in the coming weeks as prosecutors prepare their trial presentation. Opposition leaders welcomed the decision while reiterating calls for the release of all remaining political detainees currently awaiting trial.
