National Unity Platform (NUP) vice president for Buganda Muwanga Kivumbi has been re-arrested by security operatives barely a day after he was granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
Kivumbi was arrested on Friday afternoon at a security roadblock in Mpigi District as he travelled home after spending five months on remand facing terrorism-related charges.
Eyewitnesses said Kivumbi’s vehicle was intercepted by police and other security personnel at Mpigi Town, where he was directed to turn off the main road towards Mpigi Police Station.
However, as the vehicle began moving off the road, men dressed in UPDF uniforms, some wearing face coverings and carrying guns, emerged from different directions and surrounded the car.
Kivumbi, who did not resist arrest, was pulled out of the vehicle and forced into a waiting drone vehicle before being driven away.
Attempts by journalists and his supporters to follow the vehicle were blocked by security personnel.
The arrest came shortly after Kivumbi had left his home, where hundreds of supporters had gathered since Thursday night to welcome him back from prison.
At about 3:30pm, Kivumbi started his journey from home, stopping at several trading centres and market stalls along the way where supporters gathered to greet him after his release.
The journey initially appeared celebratory, with supporters embracing him and cheering his return after months in custody.
The mood changed upon reaching Mpigi, where security operatives had mounted the roadblock that led to his arrest.
On Thursday, the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted Kivumbi a Shs10 million cash bail after he fulfilled the set conditions.
Kivumbi had been remanded in January on terrorism-related charges, which he has denied. His re-arrest came before details of any new charges or the reason for the detention were made public.
