Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi Re-Arrested Hours After Release on Bail
Former Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) Vice President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has been re-arrested in Mpigi District, less than 24 hours after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted him bail.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest remain unclear, with security agencies yet to issue an official statement explaining why the opposition politician was taken back into custody.
Arrested While Travelling Through Mpigi
According to Kivumbi’s lawyer, Samuel Muyizzi, the former legislator was arrested on Friday afternoon as he travelled from Butambala back to Kampala after spending the night at his home.
Muyizzi said the vehicle carrying Kivumbi was intercepted in Mpigi Town by security operatives.
“It is true he was returning to Kampala from Butambala where he spent the night. As we were driving through Mpigi, a drone was driven into the middle of the road, and they picked him up and drove him away at high speed. We have not known his whereabouts since,” Muyizzi said.
By press time, neither the Uganda Police Force nor other security agencies had confirmed Kivumbi’s location or the reasons for his arrest.
Bail Granted After Nearly Seven Months on Remand
Kivumbi was released on bail on Thursday after spending nearly seven months on remand following his arrest on January 22, 2026.
He faces terrorism-related charges linked to violence that allegedly occurred in Butambala District following the January 15 general elections.
The prosecution alleges that between January 11 and January 17, 2026, Kivumbi and several co-accused carried out acts intended to intimidate the government for political purposes in Kibibi and Gombe town councils.
Among the allegations are attacks on Kibibi Police Station, the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, destruction of sections of the Butambala–Gomba Road, and vandalism of several vehicles.
Prosecutors also claim that seven people lost their lives during the incidents under investigation.
The case was initially filed before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court under the Anti-Terrorism Act before being expanded to include 24 additional suspects.
High Court Found No Reason to Deny Bail
Kivumbi’s legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, Samuel Muyizzi, and Kenneth Paul Kakande, successfully petitioned the High Court for his temporary release pending trial.
In granting bail, Justice Susan Okalany ruled that Kivumbi had demonstrated a fixed place of residence, presented credible sureties, and that the prosecution had failed to prove he would interfere with ongoing investigations if released.
Re-Arrest Follows Political Remarks
Although authorities have not disclosed the reason for Friday’s re-arrest, some of Kivumbi’s associates believe it may be connected to remarks he made while addressing supporters shortly after his release.
During the gathering in Butambala, Kivumbi sharply criticised Uganda’s political leadership, blaming the country’s challenges on President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and former Speaker Anita Among.
He also accused Gen. Muhoozi of engaging in partisan politics through the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), arguing that serving military officers should remain politically neutral.
Kivumbi further told supporters that his time in prison had strengthened his determination to continue advocating for political change, saying he remained committed to what he described as the struggle for a better Uganda despite the risks involved.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Friday evening, Kivumbi’s whereabouts remained unknown, and his legal team said they were still trying to establish where he had been taken.
The latest arrest adds a new twist to the high-profile case that has drawn significant public and political attention since his detention earlier this year.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.
