Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The criminal case against Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi took centre stage as he appeared before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court to answer terrorism-related charges linked to deadly unrest in the district.
Kivumbi, who also serves as the Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Buganda, is accused of participating in acts allegedly intended to intimidate the Government of Uganda and the general public for political purposes. Prosecutors allege that the offences were committed jointly with other suspects who remain at large.
According to the prosecution, the alleged acts occurred between November 11 and November 17 in the areas of Kibibi and Gombe in Butambala District. During this period, the accused persons are said to have planned coordinated attacks on the Kibibi and Butambala police stations, as well as offices of the Electoral Commission in the district.
The State further alleges that the unrest triggered by the suspected activities resulted in widespread destruction of property, including vehicles, and led to the loss of seven lives. The deceased were identified as Sarah Nagayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Abdul Nuru Nsamu, Shafik Miro and Davis Basaliza.
Security around the court premises was visibly tight as Kivumbi was produced before Chief Magistrate Deogratius Ssejjemba. At about 2:00pm, a convoy carrying the government prosecutor and case files from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) arrived at court. Roughly ten minutes later, Kivumbi was delivered under heavy escort by officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit.
Although he was not handcuffed, Kivumbi was escorted directly into the main courtroom. Shortly after proceedings began, the Chief Magistrate directed that the accused be placed in the dock as the court prepared to handle the terrorism charges.
While outlining the prosecution’s case, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Racheal Bikhole informed court of the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigations involving other suspects.
Before the charges were formally read to him, Kivumbi asked the court for permission to consult his lawyers and requested the return of his mobile phone. The prosecution objected, stating that the phone was being held as evidence. Chief Magistrate Ssejjemba subsequently suspended proceedings for one hour to allow the accused access to legal counsel.
The case has attracted significant public attention, given the seriousness of the charges and Kivumbi’s political standing.
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