The High Court has on Tuesday adjourned the hearing in the case involving Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi and others to 10 March 2026, to allow for further investigations.
The former Butambala County Member of Parliament and Deputy President for Buganda Region of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was arrested by police on 22 January 2026 in connection with post‑election violence in Butambala District following the 15 January 2026 general election.
He has been charged with terrorism under Uganda’s Anti‑Terrorism Act, alongside several co‑accused.
Speaking after the hearing, Counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona explained that his first purpose in court was to receive a ruling on an application seeking the release of the accused on grounds of alleged violations of their constitutional rights.
He revealed that Hon. Kivumbi had never recorded a police statement, as he declined to answer questions according to the police’s prescribed narrative, particularly concerning the murders that took place at his residence. Lubega said the investigation conducted by the police was lopsided, and the court was urged to compel the authorities to assign impartial officers for an objective inquiry.
“The magistrate ruled that supervising the police is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the court cannot intervene directly. We, however, will explore ways to compel the DPP to act,” Lubega said.
While addressing the media recently, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke revealed that the police is legally mandated to conduct arrests and present an accused before the courts of law. He explained that whether a suspect has voluntarily declined to write a statement, the due process must be followed.
The counsel also raised concerns that the accused had never been informed of the charges, had no access to legal representation, and no access to next of kin when first brought to court. The magistrate noted that seeking release on these grounds requires a formal application, which Lubega confirmed would be filed.
Lubega further noted the need for the state to expedite investigations in line with Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair and timely trial. He added that his team would return to court before the next hearing if additional remedies are needed.
Prosecutors allege that between mid‑January 2026, Kivumbi and others coordinated violent attacks, including alleged assaults on a police station and tally centre, destruction of property, and actions that the state says resulted in the deaths of several people.
The terrorism allegations were amended to include 24 additional suspects connected to the same matter, showing the investigation has broadened.
The allegations stem from election‑period unrest in Butambala, which saw clashes between security forces and residents. Reports say at least seven people died during the incidents, although details and accounts differ.
Kivumbi has denied wrongdoing and rejected accusations, claiming contradictory narratives about the violence and contesting parts of the state’s account.
His defence team includes prominent lawyers, such as Medard Lubega Sseggona, Erias Lukwago (former Kampala Lord Mayor), and others.
The legal team has raised human rights concerns, saying Kivumbi was not properly informed of the charges, did not initially record his statement, and faced other procedural irregularities.