MP Kivumbi charged with terrorism

BUTAMBALA - The Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, was on Friday (January 23) charged with terrorism before Butambala Chief Magistrate Deogratius Ssejjemba, who remanded him until February 3, 2026.

This was after Ssejjemba stated he had no jurisdiction to hear the matter, which he said was only triable by the High Court.

During the court hearing, the prosecution led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Racheal Bikhole, alleged that Kivumbi and other suspects still at large committed acts intended to intimidate the Government of Uganda and the public for political purposes.

Prosecution further alleged that Kivumbi, together with others, between January 11-17, at various places in Uganda including Kibibi and Gombe town council, in Butambala district, for purposes of intimidating the Government or intimidating the public, and for political or economic gains, indiscriminately, without due regard to the safety of others or property, carried out acts prejudicial to national security and public safety.

These acts, prosecution noted, included orchestrating, executing, and attacking Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission (EC) tally centre.

The state also alleged that Kivumbi, together with others, caused serious damage to sections of Kibibi-Butambala-Gomba road.

The prosecution further alleged that the unrest resulted in the destruction of vehicles and other property and that seven people lost their lives during the incidents.

The deceased included Sarah Nagayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Abdul Nuru Nsamu, Shafi k Miro, and Davis Basaliza. Kivumbi was arrested on Thursday in connection with the above incidents of political violence in Butambala.

Despite pleas by Kivumbi to Ssejjemba to adjourn the matter to enable his lawyers be present in court, the chief magistrate informed him that they did not have the mandate to handle the matter and were only in court for the reading of the charges and remand.

Kivumbi’s take 

At about 3:00pm, Kivumbi was escorted into the main courtroom without handcuffs for plea-taking.

However, shortly after proceedings commenced, Kivumbi asked the chief magistrate permission to consult his legal team and asked for the return of his mobile phone.

The prosecution objected, arguing that the phone was still being held as part of ongoing investigations. Ssejjemba allowed Kivumbi’s legal team, which he said was stuck in traffic jam, to make its way to court. At about 4:00pm, the charges were read afresh to Kivumbi but his lawyers had not yet arrived.

Despite pleas by Kivumbi to Ssejjemba to adjourn the matter to enable his lawyers be present in court, the chief magistrate informed him that they did not have the mandate to handle the matter and were only in court for the reading of the charges and remand.

Kivumbi informed the magistrate that he did not understand the charge, prompting Ssejjemba to read to him the charges again. Addressing the court, Kivumbi said: “It looks like this court’s hands are tied in the matter. The best we can do is set the date to February 3, 2026.”

He asked the magistrate whether the case would be mentioned at his court or sent to the High Court for trial, to which Ssejjemba said: “We usually mention these cases here until when they are ready for trial in the High Court.”

When Kivumbi insisted the case be mentioned, the magistrate said: “We shall be mentioning it here unless otherwise advised.”

Kivumbi insisted he was the victim in the matter but was now accused.

“I am the victim. Now, you are saying that even death occurred in my house, and here I stand to be accused of terrorism,” Kivumbi said.

However, the chief magistrate noted: “The hands of this court are tied. We have nothing much to do in the matter and our business is only inform you of the charge and remand you until February 3, 2026, until further investigations are done.”

Ssejjemba did not name the prison facility to which Kivumbi would be remanded to, noting that it was the Uganda Prison Service to decide where he would be detained.

Kivumbi lost the Butambala County MP seat to journalist Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjongi, who contested as an independent candidate.

Besides Kivumbi, security led by the Police have arrested at least 1,049 suspects across the country over election-related crimes during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Security was tightened as Muwanga was led to court. (All Photos by Stuart Yiga)

Government’s say 

Addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru on January 17, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said preliminary investigations indicated that some of the suspects who allegedly joined Kivumbi in the attempted raid were ferried from Nansana in Wakiso district.

In his first address after elections at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura district, the president-elect, Yoweri Museveni, revealed that NUP’s plan everywhere was that where it is defeated, gangs with pangas should hack people.

He cited the case of Butambala, where MP Kivumbi was defeated by Sserunjogi.

However, Kivumbi denied any role in the violence, saying he was instead the intended target of an attack. He also dismissed Police claims that he attacked a police station.