Nalweyiso Says Kivumbi Was Arrested Over Different Matter, Not Case for Which He Got Bail

Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Lt. Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso has said former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi was not rearrested over the same case for which he had been granted bail.

She says the circumstances surrounding his latest arrest will become clear when he is brought before court.

Speaking during an interview on Radio 4 on Saturday, Nalweyiso said Kivumbi was arrested over a different matter from the terrorism case in which the High Court had granted him bail.

“I don’t think Kivumbi was rearrested over the same matter for which he had been granted bail. My understanding is that he was arrested over something else, which you will know when he is brought to court,” Nalweyiso said.

Her remarks come amid a court case seeking to establish the whereabouts of Kivumbi, who was allegedly rearrested shortly after his release on bail.

Earlier this week, the High Court in Kampala ordered the government to conclude investigations into Kivumbi’s whereabouts before determining an application seeking his production before court and unconditional release.

Justice Collins Acellam directed the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General to file an affidavit within seven days detailing the outcome of investigations into Kivumbi’s whereabouts. The matter was adjourned to July 29, 2026.

Kivumbi’s lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, allege that the former legislator was abducted on July 10 at a police checkpoint in Mpigi, shortly after securing Shs10 million cash bail from the International Crimes Division of the High Court.

The lawyers claim unidentified armed men, believed to be military operatives and allegedly assisted by police officers, arrested Kivumbi without a warrant and have since held him incommunicado without access to his family, lawyers or medical care.

The Uganda Police Force has denied arresting or detaining Kivumbi.

In an affidavit sworn by Assistant Commissioner of Police Godwin Tumugumye, police said no records indicated that Kivumbi was being held in police custody. Police acknowledged that his vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint but said investigations across relevant police units and stations had found no evidence linking the force to his disappearance.

Kivumbi’s brother, Hajji Musa Lutaaya, who said he was travelling with the former MP at the time, told court that police officers at the checkpoint assisted military personnel in forcing Kivumbi into another vehicle before driving him to an unknown destination.

He further alleged that Kivumbi was later taken to Bombo Military Hospital in critical condition after allegedly being tortured by his captors.

Justice Acellam said the writ of habeas corpus is a constitutional safeguard intended to protect personal liberty by requiring authorities holding a detainee to produce that person before court so that the legality of the detention can be examined.

The judge, however, observed that Kivumbi’s whereabouts remain unknown and that police have denied holding him. He held that issuing the writ at this stage would be ineffective because the court had not established who was detaining Kivumbi or where he was being held.

The court consequently gave the respondents seven days to investigate and establish Kivumbi’s whereabouts and report their findings.

Nalweyiso also said freedom of speech should not be interpreted as a licence to insult political leaders.

She said anyone who engages in insulting or abusive conduct should be held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation, including members of the ruling National Resistance Movement.

“Freedom of speech does not mean insults,” Nalweyiso said, arguing that those who believe insulting leaders amounts to exercising freedom of speech have misunderstood the meaning and limits of the right.

Kivumbi was granted bail alongside 16 co-accused persons facing terrorism charges arising from alleged attacks on Kibibi Police Station and violence in Butambala District during the January 2026 general elections. He had reportedly spent about six months on remand before securing bail.

Prosecution alleges that the accused orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, with the intention of influencing government actions and intimidating the public for political or economic objectives.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged violence caused extensive damage to sections of the Butambala-Gomba Road and several vehicles. Prosecutors further allege that seven people were killed during the attacks.

The seven were identified as Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro and Davis Basaliza.

The prosecution contends that the alleged acts were prejudicial to national security and public safety and were carried out indiscriminately without regard for civilian life or property.

The High Court is expected to hear the matter again on July 29 after receiving the government’s report on investigations into Kivumbi’s whereabouts.