Kivumbi Bail Hearing Delayed Due to Prosecutors' Symposium

The legal proceedings for former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and his 24 co-accused faced a setback on Monday as their bail hearing was postponed. The International Crimes Division of the High Court was informed that key state prosecutors involved in the case are currently attending the Annual Prosecutors’ Symposium in Kampala.

The three-day symposium, held under the theme “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services,” has brought together legal professionals from across Uganda. Consequently, the bail application, which was set to be heard by Justice Susan Okalany, has been rescheduled to June 1, 2026.

Muwanga Kivumbi, who also holds the position of NUP vice president for Central Uganda, was apprehended on January 21, 2026. He was initially charged with terrorism offences under the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Chief Magistrates Court in Butambala. His co-accused faced charges including incitement to violence and malicious damage to property, stemming from arrests made between January 14 and 20, 2026. The prosecution later consolidated the charges, indicting all suspects on terrorism-related offenses.

In their bail application, the accused highlighted their prolonged detention without committal for trial to the High Court, a situation they attribute to ongoing investigations. They argue that as the alleged offences are exclusively triable by the High Court, the court has the jurisdiction to grant bail. Kivumbi, in an affidavit, asserted his status as a law-abiding citizen with deep community roots and no criminal record, pledging to adhere to any imposed bail conditions.