By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 30, 2026
National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been granted bail by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court after spending months in custody on criminal charges.
Kivumbi, a former Butambala County Member of Parliament, was released on Tuesday, September 29, after Grade One Magistrate Amina Wahab granted him cash bail of Shs3 million. His sureties were ordered to execute non-cash bonds of Shs2 million each.
Kivumbi is facing charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society arising from a public gathering in Butambala in July 2026. Prosecution alleges that he made statements encouraging members of the public to commit acts of violence against government officials and overthrow the government. Kivumbi has denied the allegations.
The case is separate from terrorism charges Kivumbi faces before the International Crimes Division of the High Court alongside other accused persons.
Previous bail and re-arrest
Kivumbi was previously granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court in July after spending 169 days on remand over terrorism-related charges connected to violence following the January 2026 general elections.
He was re-arrested shortly after that release and subsequently brought before the Butambala court on the fresh charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.
His lawyers later challenged aspects of his detention, while NUP officials publicly raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his re-arrest. Those claims have been disputed and should be distinguished from findings made by the courts.
Kivumbi barred from returning to Butambala
Reports following Tuesday’s ruling indicate that the court imposed restrictions on Kivumbi as part of his bail conditions, including restrictions on travelling to Butambala except for family-related purposes. He was also required to surrender travel documents.
The Observer reported that Kivumbi is expected to return to court on October 29, 2026, for further directions in the case.
NUP leaders welcome release
NUP leaders and supporters welcomed Kivumbi’s release.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that Kivumbi had been granted bail and later said he was safely home.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, also welcomed Kivumbi’s release in a statement on Wednesday. Kyagulanyi described the charges as politically motivated, a characterization attributed to him rather than an established finding of the court.
Kivumbi’s release was also welcomed by other opposition figures, who have raised broader concerns about prolonged pre-trial detention and the treatment of opposition activists.
The allegations against Kivumbi remain before the courts, where he is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proved guilty.