Muwanga Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Central Uganda, has said he is not afraid of returning to prison, insisting that his previous detention had removed fear from him and strengthened his determination to continue with his political activities.
Kivumbi made the remarks during an interview shortly after his release on bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court, just a few hours before he was reportedly re-arrested by security officers.
When asked whether he was not worried about the possibility of being arrested again and sent back to Luzira Prison, Kivumbi said imprisonment was no longer something that frightened him because he had already gone through the experience.
The opposition politician said his time behind bars had changed his attitude towards detention, adding that he had learnt that prison was not the end of life or a reason to abandon his beliefs.
“I am not scared of going back to prison. I won’t die by being in Luzira,” Kivumbi said, explaining that people should not allow fear of imprisonment to stop them from standing for what they believe in.
He said that after spending seven months in detention, he had become stronger and more prepared to face any challenges that might come his way.
According to Kivumbi, prison can affect people differently, with some coming out weakened while others emerge with greater courage and determination.
“The moment you spend time in prison, you either come out debilitated and scared, or you come out with renewed strength and vision,” he said.
Kivumbi explained that his fearless approach was a result of the difficult experiences he faced while in custody, saying the challenges had changed his perspective about fear and political activism.
“That energy you heard was the power of handcuffs,” he said, referring to the confidence he displayed after his release.
After being granted bail, Kivumbi returned to his home in Butambala, where he received a warm welcome from supporters who gathered to celebrate his release.
Addressing the crowd, he assured his supporters that his time in detention had not broken his spirit and that he was ready to continue participating in political activities.
He told the gathering that he would take a short rest before returning to the National Unity Platform headquarters to resume his political engagements.
Kivumbi also reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing political change, saying he would continue with his cause regardless of the challenges, arrests or pressure he might face.
He said that his journey was bigger than an individual person and that his efforts were aimed at inspiring others who believe in creating a different future for the country.
“I will continue pursuing this struggle until the last drop of my blood,” Kivumbi said, according to remarks made during his address to supporters.
The remarks came after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted him bail following nearly seven months of detention over treason charges.
Kivumbi had been arrested in January during a security operation at his home in Butambala, alongside other individuals who were accused of treason. They have denied the charges.
However, his return to freedom was short-lived after security officers reportedly intercepted him at a roadblock in Mpigi District while he was travelling from Butambala to Kampala.
The reported re-arrest happened less than a day after the court granted him bail, sparking renewed debate among his supporters and political observers about his continued legal battles.
Kivumbi’s statements before his reported re-arrest have attracted widespread attention, with supporters describing him as determined and fearless, while authorities are expected to provide further clarification on the circumstances surrounding his detention.
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