BUTAMBALA: Kivumbi, 24 Others Remanded as Terrorism Charges Expanded
Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been remanded to prison until February 17, 2026, alongside 24 other suspects, as prosecutors seek more time to complete investigations in an ongoing terrorism case.
Kivumbi was on Tuesday produced before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the prosecution informed the court that it had amended the charge sheet to include 24 additional suspects. State prosecutors said the complexity of the case and the increased number of accused persons required additional time to finalise investigations before the matter can proceed.
The remand follows Kivumbi’s initial arraignment on January 23, 2026, when the outgoing legislator was formally charged with terrorism over alleged acts of political violence linked to the January 15 general election. At the time, the court adjourned the case to February 3, pending further action by the prosecution.
Kivumbi was first presented in court under heavy security, escorted by armed counter-terrorism officers. Dressed in a brown chequered shirt, cream trousers and a navy-blue jacket, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda appeared calm as the charges were read.
According to the prosecution, the terrorism charges arise from violent incidents reported in Butambala District during and after polling day. Authorities allege that the unrest was politically motivated and part of broader efforts to undermine the electoral process.
Prior to his court appearance, the Uganda Police Force confirmed Kivumbi’s arrest, saying he was being held in connection with violent disturbances in the district. Police said investigations were ongoing but declined at the time to disclose specific offences.
The arrest occurred amid heightened political tension following the disputed election. In his victory address on January 18 at his Rwakitura residence, President Yoweri Museveni defended the conduct of security agencies, saying decisive action was necessary to prevent instability. He accused sections of the opposition of orchestrating coordinated attacks on polling stations after losing the polls.
Museveni specifically referenced Butambala District, alleging that opposition-linked groups attempted to attack polling stations after Kivumbi lost the parliamentary race to former Daily Monitor journalist-turned-politician Eriasa Mukiibi. The President claimed some of the attackers were armed with pangas and that seven suspects were shot dead by security forces.
Kivumbi has rejected the allegations, disputing the official account. In a video shared on social media platform X, he showed what he described as damage to his premises, including bullet-riddled garage doors and shattered windows. He claimed that nearly 10 of his supporters were killed during the security operation and alleged that bodies were removed from the scene to support the official narrative.
The case is scheduled to return to court on February 17, when prosecutors are expected to update the court on the status of investigations involving Kivumbi and his co-accused.
