Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been charged with terrorism following a wave of violent attacks in Butambala District that left seven people dead last week.
Kivumbi, 52, a resident of Buwate Village in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, was on Friday afternoon arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate Deogratious Ssejjemba following his arrest on Thursday.
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 reportedly arrested following the January 15, 2026, general elections. Others include Dr Lina Zedriga, NUP Deputy President for Northern Uganda, and Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, the party’s Deputy President for Western Uganda.
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