Outgoing Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) vice president for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, has applied for bail before the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High court in Kampala.Kivumbi who is facing terrorism charges, filed the bail application jointly with 24 co-accused persons.The co-applicants include Bruhan Matovu, Karam Bukenya, Wilson Muyinda, Waigoina Abdul Swaburu, Hecklous Kiberu, Kasoozi Fahad Kiiza, Kelvin Kayanja, Twain Ssesanga, Brian Ssewanyana, Brian Muwanguzi, Nicholas Walakira, Musa Ssekabo, Joseph Wakikaatu, Rahim Mubiru, Donovan Ssentongo, Madinah Namaganda, Hannifah Nakibuuka, Paul Mawanda, Jackson Bumbi, Peter Baribuza, Mukiibi Yusuf Kwamira, Ivan Akankwasa, Yusuf Ramathan Kiwanuka and Brian Owori.The group was arrested between January 14 and January 21, 2026, during the period leading up to the general elections, before being arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s court in Butambala.Court records indicate that the accused persons were initially charged on January 20, 2026, with incitement to violence and malicious damage to property before being remanded to Kabasanda Government Prison, Mpigi Women’s Prison and Naguru Remand Home until February 3, 2026.However, when they later returned to court, the prosecution reportedly withdrew the initial charges and amended the charge sheet, adding all the accused persons to a terrorism case.Kivumbi, who was arrested on January 21, 2026, is now facing terrorism charges. In his affidavit, he states that he was detained at Butambala police station for three days before being arraigned in court on January 23 and subsequently remanded to Kitalya prison, where he has remained.According to court documents filed jointly by Lukwago & Company Advocates and Alaka & Company Advocates, the applicants argue that they are entitled to bail under Article 23 of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Trial on Indictments Act.They further argue that despite several court appearances, the accused persons have not yet been committed to the High court for trial because investigations are still ongoing.Describing himself as a 52-year-old law-abiding citizen, family man and experienced legislator, Kivumbi states that he has a permanent residence in Buwate village, Kira Municipality in Wakiso district, as well as an ancestral home in Butambala district.He further notes that he has served as MP for Butambala County for the past 15 years and currently chairs parliament’s committee on commissions, statutory authorities and state enterprises (Cosase).The applicants maintain that they have no criminal record, possess strong family and community ties and are unlikely to abscond if granted bail. They also say they are ready to comply with any bail conditions imposed by court.Among the sureties presented are Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya and family members, including Sarah Lutaaya, Musa Lutaaya and Fatuma Lutaaya.The group further argues that prolonged detention without committal for trial violates their constitutional right to the presumption of innocence. They also contend that since terrorism offences are triable only by the High court, the same court has jurisdiction to grant bail pending trial.According to the charge sheet, Kivumbi is accused of orchestrating attacks on Kibibi police station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, which the prosecution claims were intended to influence government actions and intimidate the public for political and economic objectives.The alleged attacks reportedly resulted in damage to infrastructure along the Butambala–Gomba road and several vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number UBM 614Q, a Ford double cabin UHB 333U, a Subaru UBQ 496Z, a Toyota Raum UAV 378H and a Toyota Spacio UAQ 033X.Seven people are also reported to have died during the violence, including Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro and Davis Basaliza.Prosecution describes the alleged acts as prejudicial to national security, arguing that they were carried out indiscriminately and without regard for civilian life and property.The International Crimes Division has not yet fixed a hearing date for the bail application, and the matter is yet to be assigned to a judge. The accused persons remain on remand pending further court directions.The post Muwanga Kivumbi, 24 co-accused seek bail in terrorism case appeared first on The Observer.