National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, has declared that his time in detention has only strengthened his resolve to continue his political activities, promising supporters that he will return to active leadership almost immediately after securing bail.
Kivumbi made the remarks on Thursday night while addressing hundreds of supporters who gathered at his home to welcome him following his release from Luzira Prison. The opposition leader had spent nearly six months on remand after being charged in connection with violence that occurred during the January 2026 general elections in Butambala District.
The atmosphere at his residence was filled with excitement as supporters sang party songs, waved NUP flags and celebrated what many described as a victory for resilience and determination. The crowd cheered loudly as Kivumbi stepped forward to address them for the first time since regaining his freedom.
In a speech that lasted several minutes, Kivumbi thanked his family, legal team, party leaders and supporters who stood by him during what he described as one of the most challenging periods of his political career.
The NUP deputy president told supporters that prison had not weakened his commitment to the opposition movement. Instead, he said the experience had renewed his determination to continue advocating for political change in Uganda.
“I am going to rest for only two days. Beginning Monday, I am coming to the NUP headquarters as Deputy President for Buganda,” Kivumbi declared as supporters erupted in applause.
He added that he intended to resume his duties immediately and would play a leading role in strengthening the party’s activities across Buganda and other regions of the country.
Kivumbi further stated that he would soon unveil what he described as a new phase of political mobilization aimed at advancing the opposition’s agenda and increasing pressure for reforms.
“I am going to announce a new war that will liberate this country. I am coming with new energy,” he told the gathering, a statement that quickly attracted widespread attention and discussion among supporters and political observers.
His comments were interpreted by supporters as a sign that he intends to intensify political mobilization efforts despite the legal challenges he continues to face.
Throughout his speech, Kivumbi portrayed himself as a leader who had emerged stronger from months of detention, insisting that imprisonment had not diminished his political ambitions or commitment to the NUP cause.
He also reflected on the circumstances that led to his arrest, maintaining that the charges against him were politically motivated and intended to weaken opposition activities ahead of critical political developments in the country.
The legislator’s release came after the International Crimes Division of the High Court granted him bail, with Justice Susan Okalany ruling that the prosecution had not sufficiently justified his continued detention while investigations remained ongoing.
The court’s decision was welcomed by NUP supporters, many of whom had repeatedly called for his release and argued that he had spent too much time on remand without trial.
For many opposition supporters, Kivumbi’s return represents more than the release of a political leader. It is viewed as the return of one of the party’s most influential mobilizers in the Buganda region.
Political analysts say his reappearance on the political scene could inject fresh momentum into NUP activities, particularly in areas where he commands significant grassroots support.
His declaration that he would return to party headquarters within days of his release was seen as a direct signal that he intends to remain actively involved in shaping the opposition’s strategy moving forward.
The remarks also highlighted the increasingly charged political atmosphere as parties prepare for future political contests and continue debating issues surrounding governance, democracy and political freedoms.
Supporters who attended the gathering described Kivumbi as energized and determined, noting that his message focused heavily on unity, resilience and continued political engagement despite adversity.
As the celebrations continued into the night, many of those present expressed optimism that Kivumbi’s return would strengthen the opposition’s mobilization efforts, while others waited eagerly for the announcement of the “new war” he promised to unveil when he resumes his duties at the NUP headquarters.
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