Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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Former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been re-arrested by security operatives barely a day after he was granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
Kivumbi, who had spent 169 days on remand over terrorism-related charges, was released on a cash bail of Shs10 million, while each of his 16 co-accused was granted bail of Shs1 million.
According to National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Kivumbi was intercepted on Friday as he travelled from his home in Butambala District to Kampala. Rubongoya said security officers stopped him at a roadblock in Mpigi District before taking him to an unknown location.
Kivumbi’s lawyer, Sam Muyizzi, also confirmed the arrest, saying his client was picked up and taken away in what he described as a “drone” vehicle, a term commonly used to refer to unmarked security vans.
Footage published by NBS shows Traffic Police intercepting Kivumbi’s white Land Cruiser, with his way blocked before plainclothes security operatives reportedly surrounded the vehicle and moved him into a numberless white van.
The arrest came barely a day after Justice Susan Okalany granted bail to Kivumbi and his 16 co-accused, ending their 169-day detention over charges linked to violence that allegedly occurred during the January 2026 general elections.
The court ordered the accused to report monthly to authorities and barred them from leaving Uganda without permission as their trial continues.
Kivumbi and his co-accused are facing charges arising from alleged incidents between January 11 and 15, 2026, in Kibibi, Butambala District. Prosecutors allege that attacks on a polling station and Kibibi Police Station resulted in the deaths of seven people. The accused have denied the charges.
However, After his release on bail, Kivumbi told supporters that his time in detention had not weakened his political resolve. He said he would take two days to rest before returning to opposition activities.
He vowed to continue what he described as the struggle for political change “until the last drop of my blood”, adding that he hoped his actions would inspire others to continue the fight even if he did not live to see the changes he seeks.
During his address, Kivumbi also criticised Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and members of the First Family.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported re-arrest.
Kivumbi, who had spent 169 days on remand over terrorism-related charges, was released on a cash bail of Shs10 million, while each of his 16 co-accused was granted bail of Shs1 million.
According to National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Kivumbi was intercepted on Friday as he travelled from his home in Butambala District to Kampala. Rubongoya said security officers stopped him at a roadblock in Mpigi District before taking him to an unknown location.
Kivumbi’s lawyer, Sam Muyizzi, also confirmed the arrest, saying his client was picked up and taken away in what he described as a “drone” vehicle, a term commonly used to refer to unmarked security vans.
Footage published by NBS shows Traffic Police intercepting Kivumbi’s white Land Cruiser, with his way blocked before plainclothes security operatives reportedly surrounded the vehicle and moved him into a numberless white van.
The arrest came barely a day after Justice Susan Okalany granted bail to Kivumbi and his 16 co-accused, ending their 169-day detention over charges linked to violence that allegedly occurred during the January 2026 general elections.
The court ordered the accused to report monthly to authorities and barred them from leaving Uganda without permission as their trial continues.
Kivumbi and his co-accused are facing charges arising from alleged incidents between January 11 and 15, 2026, in Kibibi, Butambala District. Prosecutors allege that attacks on a polling station and Kibibi Police Station resulted in the deaths of seven people. The accused have denied the charges.
However, After his release on bail, Kivumbi told supporters that his time in detention had not weakened his political resolve. He said he would take two days to rest before returning to opposition activities.
He vowed to continue what he described as the struggle for political change “until the last drop of my blood”, adding that he hoped his actions would inspire others to continue the fight even if he did not live to see the changes he seeks.
During his address, Kivumbi also criticised Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and members of the First Family.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported re-arrest.
