Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi arrested over post-election violence
Police have arrested the Member of Parliament for Butambala County, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, in connection with recent incidents of political violence in the district that left several people dead and others injured.
Katonga Region Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe confirmed the arrest, saying Kivumbi is currently being held in police custody and will be produced in court in due course.
“The Uganda Police Force would like to confirm the arrest of the Butambala County legislator, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. He is in police custody and will be arraigned before court. His arrest is related to recent incidents of political violence in Butambala,” Tumushabe said.
The arrest comes days after President Yoweri Museveni accused the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) of orchestrating what he termed “panga terrorism” in parts of central Uganda. Speaking during his victory address at his home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, the President specifically linked the violence in Butambala to supporters of Kivumbi following the parliamentary elections.
President Museveni alleged that after Kivumbi lost the Butambala County parliamentary race, groups armed with machetes attacked rival groups, describing the incidents as acts of terrorism linked to post-election unrest.
Kivumbi denies allegations
However, Kivumbi has strongly denied the accusations. In a video shared on social media over the weekend, he dismissed claims of backing violent attacks and instead accused security forces of using excessive force against voters and his supporters.
The footage showed bullet-riddled garage doors and shattered windows at what he said was one of his premises, which he claimed was fired upon by security personnel. Kivumbi argued that the violence in Butambala was a result of heavy-handed security operations rather than actions by his supporters.
Police have not yet publicly responded to the specific claims raised in the video.
Political background
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi is an economist and seasoned politician who has represented Butambala County in Parliament since 2021. He is a prominent member of the National Unity Platform and serves as Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), one of the most influential oversight committees in the House.
Before joining NUP, Kivumbi was affiliated with the Democratic Party (DP). In 2021, he crossed to NUP and successfully contested for the Butambala County seat on the party’s ticket. In 2025, he was appointed NUP Deputy President for the Buganda region, further strengthening his standing within the opposition party.
Throughout his political career, Kivumbi has been an outspoken critic of government policy and has played a visible role in parliamentary accountability debates, particularly through PAC.
Rising political tension
Kivumbi’s arrest occurs amid heightened political tension following the 2026 general elections, which were marked by reports of violence, heavy security deployment and restrictions on movement and communication in some areas.
While police say investigations into the Butambala violence are ongoing, opposition figures have raised concerns about selective enforcement of the law and the targeting of political opponents.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific charges Kivumbi will face or when he will be formally presented before court.
