The state has revised terrorism charges against Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Buganda vice president Muwanga Kivumbi, expanding the case to include 24 additional suspects.
Kivumbi appeared before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for a mention of the case. Prosecutors informed court that ongoing investigations had widened, necessitating amendments to the charge sheet to include more individuals allegedly linked to the matter.
According to the prosecution, Kivumbi is accused of participating in violent acts during the recent election period, incidents that allegedly resulted in the deaths of seven people. The state argues that the alleged conduct meets the legal threshold for terrorism under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act.
The suspects named in court include Buruhan Matovu, Akram Bukenya Tumusiime, Wilson Bulinda, Swabur Wagolina, Niclas Kiberu, Fahad Kasozi, Kelvin Kayanja, Twaib Sessanga, Brian Sewanyana, Brian Mwanguzi, Nicholas Walakira, Musa Sekaggo, Joseph Wakikatu, Rahim Mubiru, Jonathan Ssentongo, Madina Ssemaganda, Hanifa Nakibuuka, Paul Mawanda, Jackson Ddungu, Yusuf Ramadhan Kiwanuka and Brian Owori.
State prosecutors requested the court to remand all the suspects until February 17, 2026, to allow further investigations.
Security was heavily deployed at the court premises as Kivumbi was produced under tight escort by police and prison officers. The MP was subsequently remanded back to Kitalya Prison after his lawyers failed to secure his release on bail.
Bail proceedings were stalled following what the defence described as a controversial amendment to the charge sheet, alongside allegations that police attempted to coerce a statement from Kivumbi.
The developments in court saw Kivumbi remain in custody amid renewed concerns from legal teams and human rights observers over the handling of the case.
Kivumbi, a senior opposition figure, was arrested on January 22, 2026, in connection with violent incidents reported in Butambala District following the disputed January 15 general elections. Police said he was arrested during a dawn operation over alleged involvement in political violence that left several people dead and others injured.
Kivumbi’s arrest followed public accusations by President Yoweri Museveni, who alleged that Kivumbi backed panga attacks and orchestrated unrest in areas where NUP candidates lost elections.
At his first court appearance, prosecutors charged Kivumbi with terrorism, alleging that between January 11 and 17, 2026, he coordinated armed attacks in Kibibi and Gombe, including assaults on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre.
The prosecution said the alleged acts were intended to intimidate the public and the government for political ends and resulted in deaths and extensive property damage.
During the bail hearing, the defence team, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Members of Parliament Medard Lubega Sseggona and Asuman Basalirwa, strongly objected to the inclusion of the 24 additional suspects.
They described the amendment as unlawful, prejudicial and an ambush that violated the accused persons’ rights.
The defence further argued that Kivumbi was not properly informed of the charges at the time of his arrest and did not record a voluntary police statement.
They told court that while recording a statement at Kiira Police Station, police officers declined to proceed after Kivumbi mentioned alleged killings by security personnel.
“At Kiira Police Station, Hon. Kivumbi was asked to record a statement in the presence of Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, which he voluntarily undertook,” the defence submitted.
“However, when he stated that police and military personnel killed 10 people at his home, the officer recording the statement refused to continue unless those references were removed.”
The prosecution’s withdrawal of charges against some of the additional suspects halted the bail hearing, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to February 17, 2026.
The court further ordered that the 24 male suspects be transferred to Kitalya Prison, while the female suspects be remanded to Luzira Women’s Prison.
