Politics 25 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Court Restricts Live Coverage of Ex-MP Kivumbi's Incitement Trial

The Butambala Chief Magistrate's Court has banned live streaming and broadcast of the incitement case against former MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, citing concerns for trial integrity. Kivumbi was remanded pending a bail ruling. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ex-mp-kivumbi-remanded-as-court-bars-live-coverage-of-incitement-case-5570582

Former Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has been remanded by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court as his incitement trial proceeds under restricted media coverage. Chief Magistrate Aminah Wahab ordered a halt to live streaming and broadcasting of the proceedings following a prosecution request.

The state argued that these restrictions are necessary to maintain the integrity of the trial and protect the involved parties. The court also instructed Kivumbi’s defense team to avoid public commentary on the case, emphasizing that legal matters should be resolved within the courtroom and not through public discourse.

Represented by attorney Medard Sseggona, the defense team contested the restrictions, asserting that open court sessions and media presence are crucial for ensuring transparency in the judicial process.

Kivumbi, also the Vice President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for the Buganda region, faces charges of inciting violence and belonging to an unlawful society. Prosecutors allege he made statements encouraging public defiance against the government at a July gathering in Butambala. This occurred on the same day he was granted bail on separate terrorism charges.

While denying all allegations and having his legal team present sureties for bail, Chief Magistrate Wahab ordered Kivumbi to be remanded to Kitalya Prison. The case is scheduled for a return to court on September 3, when a decision on his bail application is anticipated.