NUP’s Muwanga Kivumbi granted bail
High Court judge Susan Okalany today (July 9) released Kivumbi on cash bail of sh10m after ruling that his sureties were substantial. His 23 co-accused were each released on a cash bail of sh1m.
NUP deputy president for Central region, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been granted bail. (Photos by Edward Luyimbaazi)
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The International Crimes Division of the High Court has granted bail to the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Central region, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
High Court judge Susan Okalany today (July 9) released Kivumbi on cash bail of sh10m after ruling that his sureties were substantial. His 23 co-accused were each released on a cash bail of sh1m.
In their bail application filed on May 4, the accused, who are battling charges of terrorism, argued that the offences are bailable by the High Court.
They contended that despite several appearances at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butambala, they have neither been committed to the High Court for trial nor given a hearing date, which they attributed to prolonged investigations by the police.
The accused further state that they have good antecedents, have never been convicted of any criminal offence and are law-abiding citizens, who will comply with bail conditions if released.
Court documents indicate that Kivumbi’s co-accused were arrested between January 2 and January 14, 2026, before being arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butambala on January 20, 2026.
They were initially charged with inciting violence and malicious damage to property and later remanded to Kabasanda Government Prison, Mpigi Women’s Prison and Naguru Remand Home for juveniles until February 3, 2026.
On January 21, 2026, Kivumbi was separately arraigned before the same court on charges of terrorism contrary to sections 6(1)(a) and 3(a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act and remanded to Kitalya Prison. The offence carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
The terrorism charges stem from violence and the death of seven people in Butambala during the January 15, 2026, general election in which Ugandans voted for the President and Members of Parliament.
Kivumbi, who contested for the Butambala County parliamentary seat, lost to independent candidate Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi.
In his affidavit, Kivumbi describes himself as a senior citizen aged 52, a family man and a statesman with a leadership record spanning more than three decades.
“I have no criminal record of conviction and I am a law-abiding citizen who not only upholds the rule of law but is also a fervent defender of the same,” he stated.
Kivumbi also informed court that he has substantial sureties willing to stand for him, including the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, and family members; Sarah Lutaaya, Musa Lutaaya and Fatuma Lutaaya.
“If released on bail, I will continue to discharge my constitutional duties for the people of Butambala,” Kivumbi stated.