Former Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, has been remanded after appearing before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of incitement of violence and managing what prosecutors described as an unlawful society.
The development marks yet another chapter in the legal troubles facing the veteran opposition politician, whose appearance in court came just hours after his whereabouts became publicly known following weeks of uncertainty over his alleged detention.
Court proceedings drew hundreds of NUP supporters, party leaders and residents, who thronged the court premises in anticipation of Kivumbi’s appearance. Security was heavily deployed around the court as supporters waved party flags, chanted slogans and demanded his release while police officers maintained a tight cordon around the venue.
The prosecution formally charged Kivumbi with incitement of violence and managing an unlawful society before opposing his immediate release on bail.
His legal team, led by senior lawyer Medard Segona, immediately applied for bail, arguing that the former legislator had fulfilled all constitutional requirements and posed no risk of interfering with investigations.
However, after hearing submissions from the defense, the trial magistrate declined to rule on the application immediately. Instead, the court adjourned the matter until August 11, 2026, directing the prosecution to first respond to the bail application before any ruling could be made.
The decision meant that Kivumbi was remanded to prison, although neither his lawyers nor family members were immediately informed of the specific correctional facility where he would be held, raising fresh concerns among his supporters.
Segona criticizes court decision
Speaking shortly after the proceedings, Segona expressed disappointment with the court’s handling of the bail application, arguing that the defense had presented compelling legal grounds warranting Kivumbi’s immediate release.
According to Segona, he spent close to ten minutes making detailed submissions before the court. “I made a comprehensive submission on behalf of my client for almost ten minutes, laying out all the legal grounds supporting his release on bail,” Segona said.
He criticized what he described as a dismissive response from the magistrate.
“The magistrate simply stated that the matter is adjourned to August 11 for the prosecution to respond to the bail application. This isn’t the Judiciary we expect where liberty is treated with the urgency it deserves,” Segona remarked.
The defense lawyer argued that bail applications should ordinarily be determined expeditiously, especially where the accused has fixed places of residence and known sureties.
Legal observers noted that while courts have discretion in handling bail applications, delaying a ruling until the prosecution files a response often prolongs detention, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
Joel Ssenyonyi stands surety
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi personally appeared before court and stood surety for Kivumbi in an effort to secure his release.Ssenyonyi said the opposition remained committed to supporting its leaders whom it believes are being subjected to politically motivated prosecutions.
“We have stood surety for our Deputy President for Buganda, Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, because we believe he deserves justice and a fair hearing. We shall continue following this matter until justice is served,” Ssenyonyi said.
Following the adjournment, the Opposition leader criticized the court’s decision to postpone consideration of the bail application.
He described the proceedings as another example of the challenges opposition politicians continue to face within Uganda’s criminal justice system.According to Ssenyonyi, the lengthy submission made by the defense deserved a substantive ruling instead of an adjournment.
Heavy security deployment
Security remained visibly tight throughout the proceedings. Police officers, plain-clothed security personnel and other law enforcement officers surrounded the courthouse while supporters were kept behind barricades several meters from the courtroom.
Outside the court, hundreds of NUP supporters sang party songs and chanted messages demanding Kivumbi’s unconditional release.
Although emotions occasionally ran high, no major confrontations between security personnel and supporters were reported.The atmosphere reflected the continued political sensitivity surrounding Kivumbi’s arrest and prosecution.
Background to the case
Kivumbi’s latest appearance follows weeks of controversy over his disappearance after he was reportedly picked up by security personnel on July 10 shortly after securing bail in a separate terrorism-related case.
For several days, his lawyers and family members maintained they did not know his whereabouts.
The uncertainty prompted legal action, including a habeas corpus application seeking to compel authorities to produce him before court.His case attracted widespread attention from political leaders, civil society organizations and human rights activists who questioned the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Government security agencies had initially denied knowledge of his whereabouts, fueling public concern and criticism from opposition leaders.His eventual production before court effectively ended speculation over his location but opened another chapter in his legal battle.
Fresh charges
The new charges of incitement of violence and managing an unlawful society add to the growing list of criminal cases involving prominent NUP leaders.Prosecutors allege that Kivumbi’s activities amounted to conduct capable of inciting violence and that he participated in organizing or managing an unlawful association.
Neither the prosecution nor investigators disclosed detailed particulars of the alleged offences during Wednesday’s proceedings.His defense team maintains that the charges are politically motivated and intended to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the country’s increasingly competitive political season.
Political implications
Kivumbi remains one of NUP’s most influential leaders in Buganda, where the party commands significant grassroots support.
His legal troubles come at a time when several senior opposition figures continue to face criminal charges or prolonged court proceedings.Political analysts say repeated arrests and prosecutions of opposition leaders have intensified debate over civil liberties, political freedoms and the independence of Uganda’s justice system.
Supporters argue that opposition politicians are being subjected to selective prosecution, while government officials have consistently maintained that all suspects are prosecuted strictly in accordance with the law regardless of political affiliation.
For now, Kivumbi remains on remand as he awaits the prosecution’s response to his bail application.His lawyers say they remain optimistic that the court will eventually grant him bail when the matter returns on August 11.
Until then, NUP leaders have vowed to continue monitoring the case closely while demanding what they describe as a fair, transparent and impartial judicial process for one of the party’s most senior officials.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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