Written By | Peter Luzinda
The accused appeared before the Kampala-based court on Wednesday, where their lawyers urged the judge to grant them temporary release pending trial
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Kampala
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 23 co-accused persons have petitioned the International Crimes Division of the High Court for bail as they continue battling terrorism charges in a case that has once again drawn attention to Uganda’s opposition politics. The accused appeared before the Kampala-based court on Wednesday, where their lawyers urged the judge to grant them temporary release pending trial.
Defense lawyers argued that the group meets the legal requirements for bail, including having known places of residence, reliable sureties, and a willingness to comply with court directives if released. The defense further maintained that the accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty and should not be subjected to prolonged detention before the conclusion of the trial.
Kivumbi, a senior leader in the National Unity Platform and Member of Parliament for Butambala County, is among the most prominent opposition figures facing prosecution in the case.
Court heard that some of the applicants have families and dependents who continue to suffer during their detention, while others are reportedly facing health and personal challenges associated with extended remand. The prosecution is expected to oppose the bail application, arguing that terrorism-related offences are serious crimes that raise major security concerns and require careful judicial handling.
State attorneys are also expected to argue that investigations into the matter are still ongoing and that releasing the accused persons at this stage could interfere with the prosecution process.
The hearing attracted heightened public interest, with supporters of the accused gathering around the court premises as security personnel maintained heavy deployment at the International Crimes Division.
Opposition supporters have repeatedly described the charges as politically motivated, claims that government officials and prosecutors have consistently denied.
The International Crimes Division, which handles serious offences including terrorism and war crimes, is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application after reviewing submissions from both the defense and prosecution.
The decision will determine whether Kivumbi and the 23 co-accused remain on remand or secure temporary release as the terrorism trial proceeds before the High Court in Kampala.
Torch Media Africa
