Former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 16 other suspects have secured bail after spending nearly six months on remand over terrorism-related charges.
Justice Susan Okalany, the deputy head of the International Crimes Division, delivered the ruling on Thursday.
The court ordered Kivumbi to pay Shs10 million in cash bail. Each of his three sureties must execute a non-cash bond of Shs5 million.
The judge also granted bail to 16 co-accused. Each must pay Shs1 million in cash, while their sureties will execute non-cash bonds of Shs5 million.
Court imposes travel and reporting conditions
Justice Okalany directed Kivumbi to surrender his passport to the court.
All the accused granted bail must report to the ICD registrar once every month. They must also report monthly to the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The court barred them from travelling outside Uganda without prior permission.
However, the judge postponed the bail applications of six other suspects after ruling that their proposed sureties were not substantial.
They are Kelvin Kayanja, Brian Ssewanyana, Brian Muwanguzi, Ivan Akankwasa, Yusuf Ramathan Kiwanuka and Brian Owori.
The six must present new sureties when they return to court on July 13, 2026.
Justice Okalany also directed the prosecution to speed up investigations.
“If the applicants are not committed for trial within one year from the date of this ruling, they may apply to the court for review of the bail terms and conditions,” she ruled.
ICD deputy registrar Juliet Harty Hatanga read the decision in open court. The accused, their lawyers, relatives and supporters attended the proceedings.
Defence cited prolonged detention
Kivumbi and his co-accused applied for bail on May 4, 2026, through Alaka & Company Advocates and Lukwago & Company Advocates.
Their lawyers argued that the accused remained legally presumed innocent and had fixed residences, strong community connections and substantial sureties.
The defence also said their continued detention had become unconstitutionally prolonged.
In his supporting affidavit, Kivumbi described himself as a 52-year-old family man and former legislator who represented Butambala County for about 15 years.
He listed permanent homes in Buwate village, Kira Municipality, Wakiso district, and Bugoye village in Butambala district.
Kivumbi also pledged to comply with every condition imposed by the court.
His co-applicants said they had regularly attended court since their arrests between January 14 and January 21, 2026. They promised to continue appearing if released.
The defence team, led by former Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, presented three sureties for Kivumbi.
They included Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Kivumbi’s sister Sarah Lutaaya and his brother Musa Lutaaya.
Sseggona argued that the three were substantial and capable of ensuring Kivumbi’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
Prosecution opposed release
The Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the applications through Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police John Mary Lwebuga.
Lwebuga is the investigating officer in Butambala Terrorism Criminal Case No. 002 of 2026.
In his affidavit, he said investigations remained incomplete. He argued that releasing the suspects could expose witnesses and evidence to interference.
The prosecution also claimed that the applicants had not adequately proved their residences, economic activities and other ties that would ensure their return to court.
It further questioned the suitability of some sureties.
Prosecutors also disputed Kivumbi’s description of himself as a statesman. They noted that he no longer serves as an MP or chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises.
Lwebuga maintained that the seriousness of the allegations made the accused potential flight risks.
Justice Okalany rejected those arguments after finding that the successful applicants had met the legal requirements for bail.
She also stressed that the accused remain innocent unless the prosecution proves the charges against them.
Charges linked to January 2026 attacks
The charges arise from alleged attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre during the January 2026 election period.
Prosecutors allege that Kivumbi and the other suspects planned the attacks to frighten the public and disrupt government operations.
According to the prosecution, the incidents damaged public infrastructure and vehicles and resulted in seven deaths.
Authorities had detained the accused at several facilities. These included Luzira Upper Prison, Kigo Prison, Kitalya Mini-Max Prison, Luzira Women’s Prison and Naguru Remand Home.
Thursday’s hearing attracted scores of National Unity Platform supporters, MPs and senior party officials.
They filled the courtroom as officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force maintained a heavy security presence.