Former Common Man’s Party (CMP) presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga, popularly known as “Mugati Gwa Butter,” has alleged that outgoing Butambala County Member of Parliament and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, was betrayed by his own political party.
Speaking during Sanyuka One on One programme on Tuesday, Munyagwa claimed that Kivumbi’s current legal troubles are not merely judicial but deeply political, rooted in internal betrayal within NUP.
“Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi was betrayed. If you read a book entitled Palace Intrigue, it will show you just how dangerous betrayal within the palace is. His case is challenging; he has lawyers, but he needs political engagement,” he said.
Munyagwa further questioned the level of support Kivumbi is receiving from his party leadership, pointing to what he described as minimal presence by NUP lawmakers during Kivumbi’s court proceedings.
“During today’s court proceedings in Butambala, only one MP-elect from the National Unity Platform, where Kivumbi belongs, was present — the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi. Kivumbi had been the NUP Vice President for Buganda. In Buganda, NUP won at least 38 seats in the recently concluded elections, which shows that there is a lot of hatred and betrayal within NUP,” he added.
Kivumbi was arrested on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in connection with alleged acts of political violence linked to the January 15, 2026 general elections in Butambala District.
He was later arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with terrorism. During Tuesday’s court session, the state amended the charge sheet, adding 24 other suspects to the case.
According to the prosecution, Kivumbi and his co-accused are alleged to have been involved in violent actions during the election period, which resulted in the deaths of seven people.
Prosecutors maintain that the alleged acts meet the legal threshold for terrorism.
The court subsequently remanded Kivumbi and the 24 other suspects until February 17, 2026, to allow for further investigations.