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 placed Uganda’s opposition politics under a fresh spotlight.
The accused appeared before the Kampala-based court on Wednesday, where their lawyers urged the judge to allow them to return home temporarily while awaiting trial.
Defence lawyers argued that the group satisfies the legal conditions required for bail, including having known residences, dependable sureties, and willingness to follow court directives once released.
The lawyers also insisted that the accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty and should not be subjected to prolonged detention before the conclusion of the case.
Kivumbi, a senior leader in the opposition National Unity Platform and legislator for Butambala County, is among the best-known political figures facing prosecution in the matter.
The court heard that some of the applicants have families and dependents who continue to suffer during their detention, while others reportedly face health and personal challenges associated with extended remand.
The prosecution is expected to oppose the bail request, maintaining that terrorism offences are grave crimes that raise security concerns and require careful handling before court.
State attorneys are also expected to argue that investigations linked to the case are still ongoing and that releasing the accused persons at this stage could affect the prosecution process.
The hearing attracted heightened public interest, with supporters of the accused gathering around the court premises as security personnel maintained a strong deployment at the International Crimes Division.
Opposition supporters have repeatedly described the charges as politically motivated, an accusation government officials and prosecutors have consistently rejected.
The International Crimes Division, which handles serious offences including terrorism and war crimes, is expected to deliver its decision on the bail application after reviewing submissions from both the defence and prosecution.
The ruling is expected to determine whether Kivumbi and the 23 co-accused will continue on remand or secure temporary release as the terrorism trial proceeds before the High Court in Kampala.
