Uganda Court Grants Bail to Ex-MP Kivumbi, 16 Others on Terrorism Charges

The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Uganda has released former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 16 co-accused, ending their 169-day detention on terrorism charges. The charges stem from violence that followed the January 2026 general elections.

Justice Susan Okalanyi set Kivumbi's cash bail at Shs10 million, while the 16 co-accused were each granted Shs1 million cash bail. However, six other applicants were denied bail due to deficiencies in their surety documentation and were given until July 13 to return with additional sureties.

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The applicants had sufficiently demonstrated that they had fixed places of residence through letters from their respective Local Council chairpersons, satisfying one of the constitutional requirements for bail.

The accused have been in custody since January 22, 2026. They face terrorism charges for alleged incidents between January 11 and 15, 2026, in Kibibi, Butambala District. Prosecutors claim the group attacked a polling station and a police station during post-election violence, leading to seven fatalities. The accused maintain their innocence.

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courts cannot deny bail based on speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.

In her ruling, Justice Okalanyi stated that the applicants had provided sufficient proof of fixed residences, meeting a key bail requirement. She dismissed the prosecution's claims about sureties' financial capacity, deeming them legally baseless. The judge also found no evidence that the accused would interfere with investigations, ruling that bail cannot be denied on speculation.

The Constitution guarantees the right to bail, and criminal charges do not equate to guilt, the judge emphasized. Bail conditions include restrictions on traveling outside Uganda without court permission and monthly reporting to the court. The decision was met with celebrations outside the courtroom by relatives and supporters.

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the Constitution guarantees every accused person the right to apply for bail and stressed that criminal charges alone do not amount to proof of guilt.