Kampala, Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, together with 23 other accused persons, has applied for bail before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala in a terrorism-related case that continues to attract national attention.
The accused appeared before the court on Wednesday as their lawyers asked the High Court to release them on temporary freedom pending the hearing of the main case.
Kivumbi, a senior official in the opposition National Unity Platform and legislator representing Butambala County, is among the most prominent figures named in the case.
During the bail hearing, defense lawyers argued that the accused persons qualify for release because they have permanent homes, recognized local leaders willing to stand surety for them, and no known record of escaping from court processes.
Also Read: Kivumbi Terrorism Case Delayed After Suspects Reject DPP Claims
The defense further submitted that the suspects have fully cooperated with investigators and should not continue being held on remand before the court determines their guilt or innocence.
Lawyers also told the court that continued detention violates the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and unfairly punishes the accused before trial.
The prosecution is expected to challenge the application, arguing that terrorism offenses are serious crimes that carry heavy penalties upon conviction. State attorneys are also likely to argue that releasing the accused could interfere with investigations and prosecution witnesses.
Court proceedings were conducted under heavy security deployment around the International Crimes Division in Kampala, where supporters of the accused gathered while closely monitoring developments inside court.
Several opposition supporters outside the court described the prosecution as politically driven, while government prosecutors maintain that the case is being handled strictly within the law.
The charges against the group reportedly arise from alleged acts linked to activities considered threatening to national security, although detailed evidence is expected to emerge during the full trial.
The International Crimes Division is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application after reviewing arguments from both the defense and prosecution teams.
The outcome of the application is expected to shape the next phase of one of Uganda’s most closely watched political criminal cases involving senior opposition figures.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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