Uganda: MP Kivumbi charged with terrorism, remanded

Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been charged with terrorism days after seven of his supporters were shot dead by security operatives in Butambala District.

Magistrate Deogratious Ssejjemba, following his arrest on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The prosecution led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Rachael Bikhole alleges that between January 11 and January 17, 2026, Kivumbi, together with others still at large, coordinated and carried out a series of violent attacks in Kibibi Town Council and Gombe Town Council in Butambala District.

According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have orchestrated attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre. Prosecutors say the acts were intended to influence government actions and intimidate the public for political or economic objectives.

The prosecution further states that the attacks caused extensive damage to sections of the Butambala-Gomba road and several motor vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser (UBM 614Q), a Ford double cabin (UBH 333U), a Subaru (UBQ 496Z), a Toyota Raum (UAV 378H), and a Toyota Spacio (UAQ 033X).

Seven people are reported to have died as a result of the violence. The deceased were identified as Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro, and Davis Basaliza.

Prosecution described the alleged acts as prejudicial to national security and public safety, noting that they were carried out indiscriminately and without regard for civilian life or property.

When produced in court, Kivumbi requested time to consult his lawyers and asked to be allowed access to his phone to contact them. However, Bikhole informed the court that the phone was still being held as an exhibit and remained subject to ongoing police investigations. The court granted a one-hour break.

The magistrate noted that terrorism is a capital offence that is only triable by the High Court, which has original jurisdiction over such grave matters. As a result, Kivumbi was not required to take a plea before the Chief Magistrate's Court. Under Ugandan law, terrorism carries a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.

Kivumbi will continue to appear before the magistrate's court for mention as investigations proceed, pending committal to the High Court. He has now been remanded until February 3, 2026.

Kivumbi is among three National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy presidents in detention following the tense January 15, 2026, General Election, which has seen thousands of opposition supporters arrested as security operatives say the crackdown will continue. Others include Dr Lina Zedriga, NUP Deputy President for Northern Uganda, and Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, the party's Deputy President for Western Uganda.

Hundreds of NUP supporters have been arraigned in court on various charges this week. The state accuses some of them of shouting that "NRM rigged votes" during the January 15, 2026, polls. The party president, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, is in hiding after escaping a military and police raid at his home in Magerere on the night of January 16.

President Museveni's son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, in a series of posts on X, said the military had shot dead 30 NUP supporters he described as terrorists and arrested over 2,000.

"So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists. We have arrested over 2,000 hooligans that Kabobi thought would use," he posted on January 22, 2026.