Kivumbi Seeks Bail as International Crimes Division Hears Terrorism Case

Former Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi is set to appear before the International Crimes Division of the High Court seeking bail as he continues to face terrorism-related charges linked to post-election violence in Butambala District, with the defense raising concerns over prolonged remand and delayed disclosure of evidence.

The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court is expected to hear a bail application filed by former Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muwanga Kivumbi, who has spent months on remand following his arrest over terrorism-related allegations arising from violent incidents that occurred after the January 2026 elections.

The hearing is expected to attract considerable public interest as Kivumbi, through a legal team led by Erias Lukwago, Samuel Muyizzi and Kenneth Paul Kakande, seeks temporary release pending trial.

Kivumbi's arrest followed post-election violence in Butambala District in which several people lost their lives. Prosecutors maintain that seven people were killed during the incidents under investigation, while the defense contends that the death toll was ten.

According to court records, Kivumbi was arrested alone, produced before court alone and initially charged alone. However, 24 additional accused persons were later added to the same case file during subsequent proceedings, a development that has prompted legal objections from the defense.

The defense has consistently argued that despite the gravity of the allegations and the lengthy period spent on remand, the prosecution has not disclosed the evidence it intends to rely on against Kivumbi and the co-accused.

The proceedings also brought attention to two accused persons, including Mawanda Paul, who were found to be minors during proceedings before Magistrate Douglas Ssejjemba in Butambala.

The minors were subsequently granted bail by the Chief Magistrate, raising questions from the defense regarding the circumstances under which some suspects were initially charged.

During the bail hearing, Kivumbi's lawyers are expected to argue that he has fixed places of residence, substantial sureties, strong community ties and has demonstrated willingness to comply with all court requirements.

The defense is also expected to challenge his continued detention in the absence of disclosed evidence, arguing that prolonged remand without disclosure undermines constitutional guarantees of a fair hearing and adequate preparation of a defense.

Recently, lawyer Samuel Muyizzi accused prosecutors of targeting supporters who attend court proceedings in the matter.

"They are now arresting Kivumbi's supporters at court because they do not have evidence against him; they just want to prolong his detention," Muyizzi said.

The outcome of the hearing could influence the direction of one of the most closely watched criminal cases currently before the International Crimes Division.

Supporters, legal observers and members of the public are expected to follow the proceedings closely as the court determines whether Kivumbi will be granted temporary freedom pending trial or remain on remand as the case continues.

Kivumbi and his co-accused, like all persons facing criminal charges, remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

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