Lawyers from the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by the party’s Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, on Tuesday visited Kitalya Prison to check on the welfare of the party’s Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who is currently on remand over terrorism-related charges.
The legal team was, however, denied physical access to Kivumbi and was not permitted to take photographs within the prison premises.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Rubongoya said the lawyers were briefed on Kivumbi’s condition by prison authorities and reported that he was strong and in stable health.
Rubongoya revealed that Kivumbi had instructed the party’s legal team to conduct a thorough review of the Constitution and explore all available legal options that could lead to his release.
“As a party, we remain confident that Hon. Kivumbi will overcome this situation. He has directed us to pursue every constitutional and legal avenue to challenge the circumstances surrounding his detention,” Rubongoya said.
Another member of the legal team, Sam Muyizzi, condemned the manner in which Kivumbi was taken to court, stating that the lawyers were neither informed in advance nor given clarity on the specific charges their client was facing.
Muyizzi further criticized what he described as confusion and procedural irregularities surrounding the case, adding that the legal team would continue to press for Kivumbi’s freedom through lawful means.
Despite the restrictions encountered during the prison visit, NUP lawyers and party members vowed to intensify efforts aimed at securing Kivumbi’s release.
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Butambala District, was last Friday arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court under heavy security and charged with terrorism.
Prosecutors allege that between January 14 and 17 in the Butambala and Gombe areas, Kivumbi and others attacked security personnel, assaulted civilians, destroyed property, and disrupted an electoral process with the intention of causing instability and advancing political interests. Authorities further claim that seven people lost their lives during the alleged unrest.
Following his court appearance, Kivumbi was remanded to Kitalya Prison until February 4, 2026, when he is expected to return to court for further proceedings and an update on the status of investigations.
