Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the outgoing Butambala County legislator, has been arrested in connection with alleged acts of political violence during the January 15 general election in Butambala District.
Kivumbi, a National Unity Platform (NUP) member, is currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court soon.
The police statement, signed by Katonga Region police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe, says Kivumbi’s arrest relates to “recent incidents of political violence in Butambala”. This follows allegations by President Museveni that Kivumbi led a group of supporters who attacked police officers and Electoral Commission officials during the polling process. ¹ ² ³
Kivumbi denied the allegations, claiming his supporters were targeted and shot at by security forces at his home, leaving around 10 people dead.
He said he has CCTV footage to support his claims and plans to pursue legal action against those responsible. ⁴ ⁵
The January 15 polls in Butambala were marked by heightened security deployment following reports of clashes between supporters of rival candidates.
Kivumbi lost his seat to Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi, an independent candidate.
