The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court in Kampala has granted bail to National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Central Uganda and former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muwanga Kivumbi, who has been facing terrorism-related charges.
Kivumbi was granted a cash bail of Shs10 million, while each of his co-accused was granted cash bail of Shs1 million, according to court proceedings.
The court’s decision comes after Kivumbi and his co-accused spent more than five months in custody following their arrests between January 2 and 14, 2026, in Butambala District.
The suspects were arrested during a security operation at Kivumbi’s home, an incident in which more than seven people were reportedly shot dead. They were later charged with terrorism-related offences before the ICD Court.
Kivumbi had applied for bail on May 4, arguing that he had met the legal requirements for release pending the conclusion of his trial.
However, the court deferred the bail ruling for six of his co-accused after their proposed sureties were found unsuitable.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya welcomed the ruling, saying bail had been granted to Kivumbi and most of the accused.
“Bail granted to Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and most of the co-accused people. Bail application for six applicants deferred,” Rubongoya said.
NUP leaders, including Joel Ssenyonyi, also confirmed the court decision, saying bail had been granted to Kivumbi and other suspects while the remaining applications would be handled next week.
The party has continued to call for the release of its detained members, with supporters using the hashtag #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners.
Kivumbi’s release on bail marks a major development in a case that has attracted public attention and criticism from opposition figures over the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.
