Security personnel deployed at the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday came under criticism after requiring supporters of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and his 23 co-accused to present National Identification Cards before being allowed into the court premises, a move supporters say contradicts earlier court directives on public access.
The incident occurred as Muwanga Kivumbi and his co-accused returned for further proceedings in a terrorism case arising from events linked to the January 16, 2026 presidential elections.
Several supporters were stopped at the court entrance and asked to produce identification documents before being allowed to attend the open court session, prompting complaints that the requirement was unnecessary and restrictive.
“This is not the only court we have attended, and even in this very court and case, we have never been asked to present our National IDs to attend proceedings. What is wrong with the security personnel?” some supporters said.
The development has raised concerns among attendees who argue that access to public court proceedings should not be subject to additional conditions beyond standard security screening.
Chief Magistrate Deogratias Ssejjemba has in previous sessions emphasized the public nature of the hearings and directed security officers to ensure members of the public are allowed into court while maintaining order.
“This is a public court. All people must attend. Check them well and let them in. It is me to either reject or allow them in case they misbehave in court,” the magistrate has previously ruled.
Supporters say the ID requirement goes beyond those instructions and risks discouraging public participation in proceedings that have attracted significant political and public interest.
The terrorism case involving Muwanga Kivumbi and his co-accused continues to draw attention from political observers and members of the public following developments in the prosecution’s case and ongoing court processes.
Court proceedings continued under tight security as the accused persons appeared for updates on investigations and the state’s progress in preparing the matter for trial before the High Court.