KAMPALA: The International Crimes Division of the High Court has granted bail to former Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, after nearly about six months. on remand in Kitalya Prison
In a ruling delivered by the Deputy Head of the International Crimes Division today, Justice Susan Okalany, Kivumbi was granted cash bail of Shs10 million, while each of his sureties was bonded Shs5 million, non-cash.
The court also granted bail to 16 of Kivumbi's co-accused, each required to pay Shs1 million in cash, with their respective sureties executing non-cash bonds of Shs5 million each.
However, six of the accused were not released after the court found that key information provided by their proposed sureties did not satisfy the bail requirements. They were ordered to remain on remand.
Kivumbi and 26 others were arrested at his home in Butambala and charged with terrorism. The charges stem from allegations that they incited violence during the January 2026 General Election.
According to the prosecution, Kivumbi and his co-accused attacked Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre during the election period. Prosecutors allege that the attacks were intended to intimidate the public, disrupt government operations, destroy public infrastructure and vehicles, and resulted in the deaths of seven people.
The prosecution opposed Kivumbi's bail application, arguing that investigations are still ongoing and that his release could interfere with efforts to gather additional evidence.
In response, Kivumbi's defence team argued that he has a known place of residence, reliable sureties, and had already spent an extended period on remand without trial, making him a suitable candidate for bail.
Kivumbi is one of Uganda's prominent opposition politicians and has served as Member of Parliament for Butambala County for about a decade. During the 11th Parliament, he chaired the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) and has held several other key leadership positions within Parliament and the National Unity Platform.
His release on bail was welcomed by NUP supporters and party leaders, who gathered at court in celebration. The party delegation was led by Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
While the grant of bail offers Kivumbi temporary freedom as he awaits trial, the terrorism case against him and his co-accused remains before the International Crimes Division of the High Court.