Former Butambala County Member of Parliament Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has resurfaced after more than two weeks of uncertainty over his whereabouts and has been taken before court again to face fresh charges.
Kivumbi, a prominent figure in the National Unity Platform (NUP), was transferred to Butambala District where he is expected to appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court as authorities begin a new legal process against him.
His return to the public eye came after he was reportedly dropped at Nateete Police Station on Wednesday morning by unidentified security personnel after spending days away from his family, lawyers and political colleagues.
The development brought temporary relief to his supporters who had been demanding answers about his location and safety following his reported disappearance.
According to his lawyer, Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, Kivumbi was removed from Nateete Police Station before his legal team and NUP leaders could meet him or establish the details of the new case.
The lawyer said that when the team arrived at the police station, they were informed that Kivumbi had already been transferred to another location.
The team, led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, had gone to Nateete Police Station hoping to meet with Kivumbi and offer legal support.
However, they found that he had already been moved under police escort to Butambala, leaving them searching for answers about the charges he was facing.
Kivumbi’s brother, Hajji Musa Lutaaya, told journalists that his brother was placed in a police vehicle at around midday and driven away towards Butambala.
“He has been put in a police vehicle, and right now they are headed to Butambala. I’m moving behind them,” Lutaaya said.
He explained that the family had not been informed about the reason for the transfer, whether he would appear in court immediately, or the exact nature of the fresh charges.
Lutaaya also revealed that while Kivumbi was at Nateete Police Station, family members were unable to speak with him or even see him despite efforts to gain access.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said the party was closely following the developments and would continue demanding clarity from authorities.
Rubongoya said that although Kivumbi had earlier secured bail in another matter, the latest transfer suggested that authorities were pursuing a different legal route against him.
Kivumbi’s latest court appearance comes after he was granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court in a terrorism-related case.
He was released on bail after court ruled that continued detention was not justified while investigations were still ongoing.
However, shortly after leaving court, Kivumbi reportedly declared that he would continue with his political activities and mobilisation efforts.
His freedom was short-lived after he was allegedly intercepted at a roadblock along the Masaka-Kampala Highway while travelling from Butambala.
NUP leaders accused security personnel of taking him away to an unknown location, sparking concerns among his supporters and human rights activists.
During the period he was missing, his lawyers and family members repeatedly petitioned court seeking orders compelling security agencies to produce him.
Both the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defence Forces denied holding Kivumbi, increasing pressure for authorities to explain his whereabouts.
Last week, Senior Presidential Assistant Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso said Kivumbi was being held over allegations different from the terrorism charges for which he had earlier obtained bail.
However, details about the new allegations were not immediately provided.
As Kivumbi returns before court, his supporters are closely watching the proceedings, while authorities are expected to provide more information regarding the fresh charges against him.
