Security was tight at the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as several supporters of Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi were denied entry to the courtroom during proceedings in a terrorism case involving the legislator and 24 co-accused.
Police and other security personnel restricted access to the court premises, allowing only a limited number of individuals into the courtroom as the case was mentioned before the magistrate.
Many supporters who had travelled from different areas were turned away at the entrance and remained outside the court compound.
Unable to access the courtroom, the group gathered outside the premises where they sang and chanted messages of solidarity for Kivumbi and the other accused persons.
Witnesses said some supporters questioned security officers about the restrictions, arguing that court proceedings are public and should be accessible to citizens.
Some expressed frustration over what they described as excessive limitations on attendance.
“We came to follow the proceedings because courts are public, but we have been blocked,” one supporter said while joining others in song.
Kivumbi appeared before court as part of ongoing proceedings related to terrorism charges filed against him and 24 other accused persons.
The matter was mentioned for further procedural updates as investigations and legal processes continue.
Authorities had not issued a detailed public explanation about the security measures implemented during the court appearance by the time proceedings were ongoing.
Despite the restrictions, the atmosphere outside the court remained largely calm, with supporters continuing to sing and chant throughout the proceedings as a show of support.
