Prosecution Raises No Objection to Kivumbi's Sureties in Bail Hearing

The prosecution has not objected to the sureties presented for former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, as his bail application hearing commenced before the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court in Kampala. Five individuals, including Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition, and NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, were presented by Kivumbi's defence team to support his request for temporary release pending trial on terrorism charges.

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Although the prosecution scrutinised the documents submitted before court, Jatiko and Birivumbuka did not challenge the credentials or substantiality of any of the individuals presented as sureties.

Kivumbi and 23 co-accused are facing terrorism-related charges stemming from incidents allegedly occurring after Uganda's January 2026 presidential elections. The ICD began hearing bail applications for these individuals, though proceedings experienced a delay due to the late arrival of government prosecutors. Court officials implemented measures to reduce courtroom congestion, citing Ebola prevention concerns.

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the accused persons were arrested in January and have remained in custody while investigations continue.

Defence lawyer Medard Sseggona argued that the accused have been in custody since January without being committed to the High Court, justifying their release on bail. While the prosecution did not challenge Kivumbi's sureties, they reserved the right to oppose the bail applications on other legal grounds. The court adjourned briefly to allow the prosecution to verify the submitted documents before the hearing resumed. A ruling on the bail applications is expected after both sides conclude their submissions.

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the prolonged detention of the accused without committal to the High Court justified their release on bail pending the completion of investigations and trial proceedings.