National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda Region Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who is also the outgoing Member of Parliament for Butambala County, has appeared before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court following his arrest over election-related violence in the district.
Kivumbi was arrested on 22 January and held at Kira Road Police Station in Kampala in connection with clashes that occurred in Butambala on 15 January during the elections, in which at least 10 people lost their lives.
On 23 January at about 2:00 pm, police transported Kivumbi to Butambala under heavy security, where he was formally presented before court. During the hearing, Kivumbi requested more time to consult his lawyers, explaining that he had not been able to access his legal team while in detention. The magistrate allowed him time to meet his lawyers.
The court then charged Kivumbi with terrorism and remanded him in custody until 3 February 2026.
His arrest followed remarks by President Yoweri Museveni, who accused Kivumbi and other opposition leaders of organising coordinated acts of violence in areas where the National Unity Platform lost parliamentary seats. The President described some opposition figures as “terrorists” and said intelligence reports indicated that post-election violence was being planned in districts including Butambala.
Museveni defended the actions of the security forces, saying the measures taken were necessary to maintain peace and stability after the elections.
