Tension as Kivumbi Appears in Court Amid Tight Security, Supporters Chant for His Freedom

The Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday witnessed heightened security and dramatic scenes as Butambala County politician Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi was produced in court alongside 24 co-accused persons facing terrorism-related charges.

Supporters who had turned up to follow the proceedings were blocked from entering the courtroom by security personnel, triggering protests and chants outside the court premises.

Kivumbi, a prominent opposition figure and National Unity Platform leader in the Buganda region, was arrested following violent incidents linked to the January 2026 general election period in Butambala District. Prosecutors allege the accused participated in acts intended to intimidate the government and the public.

Tight Security as Supporters Blocked from Court

Security around the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court was noticeably heavy as the accused were brought in under guard from Kitalya Prison. Several supporters and members of the public who had gathered to attend the proceedings were prevented from entering the courtroom by the area Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and security personnel, sparking protests from lawyers and the public.

Defence lawyers argued before the court that judicial proceedings are public and that citizens should not be barred from observing them.

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In response, the presiding magistrate, Deogratias Ssejjemba, ruled that court sessions are indeed open to the public. However, he emphasized that anyone wishing to attend must first undergo security screening due to the sensitive nature of the case.

The ruling effectively reaffirmed the constitutional principle that court proceedings are public while acknowledging the need for security checks.

Supporters Chant Luganda Songs Proclaiming Kivumbi’s Innocence

Outside the court premises, dozens of supporters who had been denied entry gathered along the roadside, expressing solidarity with the embattled politician as seen from the video footage above.

The crowd repeatedly chanted a Luganda song declaring Kivumbi innocent and accusing authorities of framing him.

“Bamulanga bwerere talina gwe yazza, bamulanga bwerere.”

The loosely translated chant suggests that the accusations against Kivumbi are baseless and politically motivated.

The scene briefly turned into a protest-like gathering, with supporters waving hands and chanting as security officers monitored the situation.

Why the Case Was Adjourned

During the court session, the magistrate halted the proceedings after concerns were raised that two of the accused persons might be minors.

Court heard that documentation confirming the ages of the suspects was not immediately available. The magistrate therefore directed the Uganda Prisons Service to conduct an assessment to verify the ages of the two individuals.

Under Uganda’s Children Act, suspects believed to be minors must be handled under special legal provisions.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding their ages, the court suspended further proceedings until the matter is clarified.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 30, 2026, when prisons authorities are expected to present verified age assessments and the prosecution to update the court on the progress of investigations.

Background to the Charges

Kivumbi and his co-accused face terrorism charges linked to alleged post-election violence in Butambala District.

According to the prosecution, the suspects are accused of orchestrating attacks on public installations including Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, as well as damaging infrastructure during the unrest.

The accused deny the charges. Kivumbi has remained on remand at Kitalya Prison since his arrest in January 2026.

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