The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Wandegeya led by Judge Susan Okalany has granted bail to the National Unity Platform (NUP) party deputy president for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, and seventeen (17) of his co-accused in an ongoing terrorism case, in a ruling held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, that sparked relief and celebration among supporters.

Kivumbi was granted cash bail of UGX 10 million, while each of the co-accused approved for release was ordered to pay UGX 1 million in cash bail.

“The applicants are prohibited from travelling outside Uganda without prior notice to the court,” Judge Okalany ruled.

However, the court deferred the bail applications of six other co-accused after finding their sureties unsatisfactory, meaning they will remain on remand until the matter is revisited.

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., the

The accused filed their bail application on May 4th, arguing that they had met all the legal requirements for release pending trial. In its ruling, the court agreed to release Kivumbi and several of the applicants, but held back six others after determining that the sureties presented on their behalf did not meet the required threshold.

According to information from court, bail was granted to all the applicants except the six whose sureties were found wanting. Their lawyers are expected to return to court with revised or fresh sureties in a renewed bid to secure their release.

The ruling marks a significant development in one of the country’s closely watched political cases, with Kivumbi, a senior opposition figure in the National Unity Platform, now set to regain temporary freedom as trial proceedings continue.

Scenes of relief unfolded outside court shortly after the ruling, as supporters welcomed the decision and shared messages of gratitude and solidarity. Some described the ruling as a step towards justice for the accused, who have spent months in custody awaiting the hearing of their bail application.

Legal observers, however, noted that bail does not amount to an acquittal. Instead, it allows accused persons to remain out of custody while trial proceedings continue, provided they comply with the conditions set by court.

Attention is now expected to shift to the six co-accused whose applications were deferred, as the case returns to court for further mention and hearing.