Former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has reportedly been granted bail by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, according to National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya.
Rubongoya announced the development in a social media post, saying the court had granted Kivumbi bail and expressing hope that he would not be arrested again following his release.
The NUP official also thanked people who had followed Kivumbi’s case and residents of Butambala for what he described as a strong show of solidarity.
The development comes amid continued legal proceedings against Kivumbi, who is facing charges including inciting violence and managing an unlawful society. He has denied the allegations.
According to reports from earlier proceedings, prosecutors have alleged that Kivumbi made statements during a public gathering in Butambala on July 9 that encouraged public defiance against the government. The defence has disputed the allegations.
The latest court decision is separate from an earlier terrorism-related case in which the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted Kivumbi bail in July. In that case, he was ordered to pay a Shs10 million cash bond, while several of his co-accused were also released on bail under specified conditions.
Kivumbi was subsequently rearrested after his release in July, prompting questions in Parliament about the circumstances surrounding his detention. The Opposition said he had been intercepted while travelling from Butambala towards Kampala, while government officials said they needed time to establish the facts surrounding the reported arrest.
The latest report adds another condition to Kivumbi’s release.
Rubongoya said Kivumbi has been restricted from travelling to Butambala except for family gatherings.
The restriction could affect his ability to participate in political or public activities in the constituency where he previously served as MP.
Rubongoya also raised concerns that Kivumbi could be arrested again, referring to his previous rearrest shortly after being granted bail.
However, the circumstances surrounding any future arrest would have to be established through official records and court proceedings.
Kivumbi’s case remains under judicial consideration, and the allegations against him have not been proved in court. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until a court determines otherwise.
