State asks court to dismiss Kivumbi’s bail application

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The State has opposed a bail application filed by the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for the Central Region, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, and his 23 co-accused, arguing that their release could jeopardise ongoing investigations.

The accused are battling charges of terrorism, resulting from violence and the deaths of seven people in Butambala during the January 15, 2026, General Election in which Ugandans voted for the President and Members of Parliament.

The state, led by the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Thomas Jatiko, on Monday (June 1) told Justice Susan Okalany of the International Crimes Division of the High Court that the applicants may interfere with prosecution witnesses if released on bail.

“We pray that you reject the bail application for the applicants because releasing them at this stage could compromise the integrity of the investigations and the prosecution’s case,” Jatiko requested.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Johnmary Luwebuga swore an affidavit stating that the applicants do not have fixed places of residence. Luwebuga is an investigating officer attached to Butambala Police Station.

However, defence lawyer Medard Sseggona dismissed the state’s objections, arguing that they are not supported by evidence.

Sseggona argued that the prosecution’s claim that the applicants lack fixed places of abode is contradicted by information contained in the charge sheet, where their residences are indicated. 

He also challenged the prosecution’s assertion that the accused would interfere with witnesses if granted bail.

Kivumbi presented five people in court as sureties. They include the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, and his relatives; Sarah Lutaaya, Musa Lutaaya and Fatuma Lutaaya.

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.

THE ALLEGATIONS

According to prosecution, Kivumbi and the other accused persons, together with others still at large, allegedly orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre between January 11 and 17, 2026.

Prosecution alleges that the attacks were intended to intimidate the Government for political or economic purposes.

Court documents indicate that the alleged attacks resulted in the deaths of seven people and the destruction of a road and several government vehicles. By press time, Justice Okalany had adjourned the matter for further hearing to Tuesday (June 2).