Court adjourns terrorism case against MP Kivumbi, orders state to fast-track investigations

BUTAMBALA – The Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court has adjourned proceedings in the terrorism case against Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 others, granting the prosecution more time to conclude investigations.

During the court session, the defence team led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago renewed its objection to the evidence so far presented by the State. The lawyers asked court to discard the previously obtained evidence and order fresh investigations, citing alleged partiality in the probe.

The defence also pressed for independent inquiries into alleged killings said to have occurred at Kivumbi’s home, arguing that the actual number of fatalities remains unclear and requires verification.

However, the presiding magistrate declined to throw out the evidence or order a fresh probe. Instead, court directed the prosecution to expedite investigations to enable the matter to proceed to the next stage of trial.

The accused persons are expected to reappear in court on March 10, 2026 at 10:00am for further mention of the case.

Background to the Case

Kivumbi, who also serves as Deputy President for Buganda of the National Unity Platform, was earlier remanded to prison alongside 24 co-accused to allow the State additional time to complete investigations.

He was first arraigned on January 23, 2026, before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court and formally charged with terrorism over alleged acts of political violence linked to the January 15 general election. At the time, the case was adjourned to February 3 pending further prosecutorial action.

On Tuesday, the State informed court that it had amended the original charge sheet to include 24 additional suspects, citing the complexity of the case and the number of accused persons as reasons for seeking more time.

Kivumbi was initially produced in court under heavy security deployment, escorted by armed counter-terrorism officers. Dressed in a brown chequered shirt, cream trousers and a navy blue jacket, he appeared composed as the charges were read.

According to the prosecution, the charges arise from incidents of violence reported in Butambala District during and after polling day. Authorities allege the unrest was politically motivated and part of attempts to undermine the electoral process.

The Uganda Police Force previously confirmed his arrest, stating that he was being held in connection with violent incidents in the district, though specific offences were not immediately disclosed at the time.

The arrest came amid heightened political tensions following the disputed election. In his victory address delivered on January 18 at his Rwakitura residence, President Yoweri Museveni defended the actions of security agencies, saying firm measures were necessary to prevent instability.

Museveni accused sections of the opposition of orchestrating coordinated attacks on polling stations after losing at the polls. He specifically cited Butambala District, alleging that groups linked to the opposition attempted to attack polling stations after Kivumbi lost the parliamentary race to former Daily Monitor journalist-turned-politician Eriasa Mukiibi.

The President further claimed that some of the alleged attackers were armed with pangas and that seven suspected assailants were shot dead by security forces.