Butambala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, who is also Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has been charged with terrorism and remanded to Kitalya Prison until February 3, 2026.
Kivumbi appeared before the Butambala Magistrate’s Court on Friday without legal representation after police allegedly denied him access to phones to contact his lawyers and family while he was held incommunicado at Kireka.
According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Rachael Bikhole, Kivumbi and others still at large allegedly coordinated and carried out violent attacks between January 11 and January 17, 2026, in Kibibi Town Council and Gombe Town Council in Butambala District.
The state alleges that the acts were intended to influence government or intimidate the public for political or economic purposes, without regard for public safety or property.
Prosecutors further claim that the attacks targeted Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, actions said to have endangered national security.
“It is further alleged that the accused caused extensive damage along sections of the Butambala–Gomba road involving several motor vehicles, acts which directly resulted in the death of seven people,” the magistrate read from the charge sheet.
The deceased were identified as Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro, and Davis Basaliza.
When asked whether he understood the allegations, Kivumbi said he did, but raised concerns about the absence of his lawyers and questioned why the matter could not immediately proceed to trial.
“The charge before this court is terrorism,” the magistrate clarified, adding that the case would continue to be mentioned at the magistrate’s court until it is committed to the High Court.
The NUP legislator had earlier asked the court to allow him time to reach his legal team, prompting the magistrate to stand over the matter for one hour. The lawyers, however, did not arrive in time, forcing the legislator to face the court alone.
Reading out the charge, the presiding magistrate, HW Deogratious Ssejjemba, explained that the court’s role was limited to mentioning the case pending committal to the High Court, which has jurisdiction to try terrorism offences.
“Our role is only to read the charge to you so that you understand why you are being remanded,” Ssejjemba told Kivumbi before ordering his continued detention.
Kivumbi was arrested a day earlier during a security operation in Butambala District and later produced in court under heavy guard. Investigations are ongoing, with several suspects linked to the alleged attacks still at large.
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