PHOTOS: Kivumbi Appears in Court as Lukwago Leads Heavyweight Legal Team at Butambala

Kivumbi being escorted by prison wardens to Court in Butambala this Tuesday

BUTAMBALA, Uganda — Incarcerated Butambala County legislator Muwanga Kivumbi is appearing in court today as the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butambala convenes for the mention of terrorism charges arising from deadly post-election violence in the district.

Kivumbi is backed by a formidable legal team led by Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Lord Mayor, who is serving as lead counsel.

He is joined by senior lawyers and legislators Medard Sseggona and Asuman Basaalirwa, alongside other defence attorneys.

Lukwago is leading the defense team

Lawyers representing Kivumbi in court

The court session, scheduled for mention before the Chief Magistrate of Butambala, follows Kivumbi’s recent arrest and charging under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with prosecutors alleging that he orchestrated coordinated attacks on state installations and infrastructure between January 11 and 17.

The charges are among the most serious ever brought against a mainstream opposition politician in an election-related dispute.

Ssegona arriving for the court hearing

Today’s proceedings have drawn significant political attention. The hearing is being attended by the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Lewis Lubongoya, and Francis Zake, among other National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders and supporters.

Lukwago at court

Kivumbi’s appearance comes amid competing narratives over the events in Butambala. Authorities say the case stems from organised attacks on a police station and an Electoral Commission tally centre that resulted in seven deaths.

Kivumbi denied the charges

Kivumbi has denied the allegations, previously saying security forces raided his home during vote tallying and killed members of his campaign team inside the residence.

Opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi at court

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Opposition figures have framed the prosecution as politically motivated, while the government maintains the charges are grounded in national security concerns and due process.

The court is expected to formally note the charges and set timelines for subsequent proceedings, including bail applications and committal, as the case moves into a phase likely to test the judiciary’s handling of politically sensitive terrorism prosecutions.