Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been charged with terrorism over alleged violent incidents that occurred during the January 15 general elections. The charges mark an escalation in the government’s post-election crackdown.

Kivumbi, who is also the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for the Buganda region, was arraigned on Friday, January 23, 2026, before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court. He was remanded to Kitalya Prison until February 3, 2026, as investigations continue and the case is prepared for committal to the High Court.

Prosecutors allege that between January 11 and January 17, 2026, Kivumbi and others still at large coordinated acts of violence in Kibibi Town Council and Gombe Town Council in Butambala District. According to the state, the attacks targeted Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre, causing extensive damage to parts of the Kibibi–Butambala–Gomba road and several vehicles.

The damaged vehicles were identified as a Toyota Land Cruiser (UBM 614Q), Ford double cabin (UBH 333U), Subaru (UBQ 496Z), Toyota Raum (UAV 378H), and Toyota Spacio (UAQ 033X).

The charges were brought under Sections 6(1)(a) and 3(o) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, Cap 120. Prosecutors claim the alleged acts were intended to intimidate the public, influence government decisions for political and economic gain, and threaten national security and public safety.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Rachael Bikhole led the prosecution. However, Chief Magistrate Deogratious Ssejjemba ruled that the court could not take a plea because terrorism is a capital offence that can only be tried by the High Court.

Kivumbi appeared in court under heavy security provided by armed counter-terrorism personnel. He did not enter a plea and was remanded as the case awaits committal. The court granted a brief adjournment to allow his lawyers to arrive.

His request to access his mobile phone to contact family members and legal counsel was denied, with the phone reportedly being held as an exhibit.

The charges stem from election-related violence in Butambala District, which was placed under heightened security during the polls following reports of voter intimidation and clashes between rival supporters. At least seven people were killed during the unrest. The deceased were identified as Sarah Naggayi, Aisha Nabukenya, Milly Nampereza, Ruth Nakanjako, Nsamu Abdulnoor, Shafik Miiro, and Davis Basaliza.

Gunfire was reported during the clashes as security forces intervened to contain disruptions to voting and tallying. Opposition sources claim that Kivumbi’s residence, which they say was being used as a tally centre for NUP candidates in Buganda, was stormed by the army on the night of January 15, leading to several deaths.

Opposition leaders have strongly rejected the government’s version of events. Kivumbi has denied any involvement in violence, stating that he and his supporters were instead attacked by security forces. He has accused authorities of fabricating the charges against him.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, described the charges as politically motivated, alleging that security forces attacked Kivumbi’s home and killed supporters after the elections.

Human rights lawyer Male Mabirizi also criticised the charges, describing them as a misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act and drawing comparisons with earlier cases involving opposition Members of Parliament.

President Yoweri Museveni, however, has accused Kivumbi of leading attacks against police officers and Electoral Commission officials. In a post-election address, Museveni said intelligence reports pointed to plans for coordinated violence by opposition actors and defended the security response as necessary to restore order.

Kivumbi remains in custody as investigations continue.