Kivumbi, the former Butambala County MP, and his co-accused are facing terrorism-related charges stemming from arrests made between January 2nd and 14th, 2026, in Butambala district. Their arrest followed a security operation at Kivumbi’s home during which more than seven people were reportedly shot dead.

Oyat criticised the outcomes of the January 2026 general elections and said the upcoming local council elections present another opportunity for citizens to elect leaders who will protect their rights and promote development.

The court has directed the respondents, including the Attorney General and the Electoral Commission, to file their replies and scheduling notes by July 21st, with the petitioners expected to respond by August 4th, 2026.

“We appeal to the people in different villages to elect the opposition candidates who will deliver service accordingly. In the areas where we don't have candidates as PFF, we appeal to you not to vote for anyone who is aligned with our opponents, such as the NRM and PLU, because of what they have caused in this nation,” Lulume said.

According to the EC, Local Council I Chairpersons play a vital role in maintaining community security, coordinating local service delivery, overseeing the implementation of government programmes, resolving disputes at the village level and promoting accountability in local governance.

“Recently we were in Kalangala for the by-election and we appealed to Justice Byabakama to ensure that we have a free and fair election but after the elections he only came out to lament after he had seen the chaos and injustice by the military and state goons. Sadly he didn’t have enough stamina to cancel the results, which is absurd and we wouldn’t want to go through the same in these coming Local Council elections,” Buwembo said.

“We demand that the Executive Director of the Uganda Communication Commission should resign or cause a crisis meeting in government to ensure that the power that has been taken away from him is reinstated so that he can do his work without interference from the army,” Lulume said.