In a dramatic turn that has sent shockwaves through Uganda's opposition circles and raised fresh alarms about judicial independence and constitutional rights, former Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform Deputy President for Buganda, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, finds himself once again in the shadows of state security apparatus — more than ten days after his dramatic re-arrest.

Kivumbi, a veteran opposition figure and economist, had endured 169 days — over five and a half months — of pre-trial remand on terrorism charges linked to post-election violence in Butambala District following the January 15, 2026 general elections. Prosecutors alleged that he and co-accused orchestrated attacks on a polling station and Kibibi Police Station, resulting in seven deaths, property destruction, and acts intended to intimidate the government. Kivumbi and his co-accused have consistently denied the charges.

The brief taste of freedom. On July 9, 2026, Justice Susan Okalanyi of the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted Kivumbi and 16 co-accused bail. Kivumbi was released on a cash bail of Shs10 million, with conditions including surrendering his passport, monthly reporting to court, and travel restrictions. The ruling was celebrated by supporters and NUP members as vindication after prolonged detention without trial — but the relief was short-lived.

Barely 24 hours later, on July 10, while travelling from Butambala toward Kampala, Kivumbi's vehicle was intercepted at a roadblock in Mpigi Town. Eyewitnesses and videos described traffic police directing the vehicle off the main road, only for armed men — some in UPDF uniforms with face coverings, others in plainclothes — to swarm the car, pull Kivumbi out, and bundle him into an unmarked "drone" vehicle. Attempts to follow were blocked. The re-arrest occurred despite the fresh court bail and has sparked accusations of defiance of judicial orders.

Habeas corpus and parliamentary outcry. Kivumbi's lawyers swiftly filed a habeas corpus application in the High Court's Civil Division, seeking to compel the Chief of Defence Forces, Inspector General of Police, and Attorney General to produce him and justify his detention, highlighting that he has been held incommunicado, denied access to family, lawyers, and his physician, well beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit. In Parliament on July 14, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi demanded answers: "Where is Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi?" Government responses acknowledged the concerns but requested more time to "establish the facts."

The Uganda Law Society has condemned the re-arrest as part of a troubling pattern of abductions that undermine the rule of law and judicial independence. Critics link the timing to Kivumbi's fiery post-bail remarks at his home, where he criticised the First Family and vowed renewed political activism. As Uganda grapples with the aftermath of the 2026 elections, the Kivumbi saga serves as a litmus test for whether judicial orders will hold sway. This story is developing; King Musah Media will provide updates as more information emerges from court or parliamentary proceedings.