Muwanga Kivumbi’s brief return to freedom has taken another dramatic turn after the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda was reportedly arrested again just hours after publicly declaring that he was preparing to launch a renewed political campaign against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
The reported arrest came less than a day after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted Kivumbi bail in a terrorism case that had kept him on remand for nearly six months, a decision that was celebrated by supporters across several parts of the country.
Thousands of NUP supporters had welcomed the opposition leader back to Butambala, where he addressed enthusiastic crowds and spoke about his plans following his release from detention.
During the gathering, Kivumbi told supporters that his time in prison had not weakened his determination to continue participating in political activities. Instead, he said the experience had strengthened his resolve to pursue what he described as a struggle for change and national transformation.
According to those present, Kivumbi announced that he would take only a short break before returning to active political work, promising supporters that he would soon unveil a new strategy aimed at advancing the opposition’s agenda.
His remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, attracting widespread attention from both supporters and critics who interpreted the statements in different ways.
Some supporters viewed the comments as a message of resilience from a leader who had endured months in detention, while critics questioned the language used and its potential political implications.
The following day, reports emerged that Kivumbi had been intercepted at a security roadblock in Mpigi District while travelling from Butambala, leading to fresh uncertainty about his legal and political future.
According to accounts shared by opposition leaders, the former legislator was reportedly stopped by armed security personnel before being taken away in a vehicle whose destination was not immediately disclosed.
The development sparked concern among NUP officials, many of whom demanded answers regarding his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the latest operation.
By Friday evening, supporters had taken to social media to express frustration over the reported arrest, arguing that it raised questions about the status of the court bail that had been granted only hours earlier.
Kivumbi’s release had followed a ruling by Justice Susan Okalany, who granted him bail after considering arguments presented before the court regarding his continued detention while investigations remained ongoing.
The opposition leader had been facing terrorism-related charges alongside several other individuals in connection with violence that occurred during the January 2026 general elections in Butambala District.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Kivumbi and his supporters have consistently maintained that the accusations against him are politically motivated, a claim that government authorities have previously rejected.
One of the most emotional moments during his homecoming address came when Kivumbi reflected on the violence that occurred during the election period, insisting that several of his supporters lost their lives during the unrest.
The government and security agencies have previously provided their own account of the events, maintaining that those killed were linked to attacks on public institutions during the election period.
The differing narratives surrounding the Butambala violence have remained a source of disagreement between government officials and opposition leaders, with each side presenting contrasting interpretations of what transpired.
Political analysts say Kivumbi’s latest arrest is likely to intensify debates about opposition politics, civil liberties and the role of security agencies in Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
The incident has also renewed focus on the broader relationship between the ruling government and opposition groups, particularly at a time when political tensions remain high across various parts of the country.
As supporters continue demanding clarity regarding his situation, attention is now turning to security agencies and legal authorities for official communication on the reasons behind the latest developments involving one of the opposition’s most prominent figures.
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