BUTAMBALA — National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has been granted bail by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court after spending several months in detention over fresh charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi confirmed Kivumbi’s release in a post on Tuesday, saying the former Butambala County MP had finally been granted bail.
“Hon Muwanga Kivumbi has finally been granted bail by Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court,” Ssenyonyi said.
The latest charges were brought against Kivumbi after he was re-arrested shortly after obtaining bail from the International Crimes Division of the High Court in July.
The prosecution previously accused Kivumbi and others of offences linked to violence surrounding the January 2026 general elections. He was initially charged with terrorism alongside more than 20 co-accused persons.
In July, the High Court granted Kivumbi bail after nearly six months on remand. Justice Susan Okalany ordered him to pay Shs10 million in cash bail, while his three sureties were required to execute non-cash bonds of Shs5 million each.
He was, however, re-arrested in Mpigi the following day while travelling from Butambala to Kampala. His lawyer Samuel Muyizzi said security operatives intercepted the vehicle in which Kivumbi was travelling and took him away. Authorities at the time did not publicly explain the circumstances of the re-arrest.
Kivumbi later resurfaced and was returned to the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded on the fresh charges.
His latest release comes as NUP supporters and party leaders have renewed calls for the release of opposition supporters facing criminal charges.
Kivumbi, who served as Butambala County MP before losing the seat in the January elections, remains subject to the court proceedings arising from the various charges against him.
The granting of bail does not determine the merits of the charges, which remain before court.
