National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for the central region and former Butambala county MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi was re-arrested on Friday just hours after regaining freedom on bail, in a dramatic turn of events that has once again placed Uganda’s political landscape under intense public scrutiny. The incident has sparked widespread debate among political leaders, civil society, organizations and ordinary Ugandans, many of whom are questioning the reasons surrounding the fresh arrest.
Kivumbi was taken away in unmarked security vehicle commonly referred to as “drones” before being driven to an unclassified location
According to his lawyer Sam Muyizzi, his client was intercepted by security operatives at a roadblock in Mpigi district while travelling shortly after his release. He alleged that Kivumbi was taken away in unmarked security vehicle commonly referred to as “drones” before being driven to an unclassified location. By this time of publication, authorities had not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the new arrest.
Kivumbi had only been released after the International Crime Division granted him bail under tight conditions, including reporting daily to court and surrendering his passport. His supporters were very happy since he had been relieved of the long-term detention. However, the celebrations were cut short when the news of his re-arrest spread across social media and news platforms like this one.
His party highly condemned the re-arrest describing it as politically motivated and an abuse of the judicial process. Party officials demanded his immediate release and called upon security agencies to respect court decisions and uphold the rule of law. Supporters have continued to call for transparency regarding his whereabouts and the legal basis for the latest detention.
The re-arrest comes amid the heightened political tension in Uganda following the 2026 general elections and legal proceedings involving several opposition figures. This leaves the country and all the people really in at a fear state given that nothing much is done by the government bodies responsible for their rescue.
