By Spy Uganda
The family of the late Hajj Ali Lutaaya of Bugoye, Butambala District, has formally appointed Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as legal counsel to represent Butambala County legislator Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi in his ongoing criminal case.
In a letter dated January 28, 2026, and addressed to Lukwago & Co. Advocates, the family officially mandated Lukwago to take full charge of all legal matters relating to the case, in which Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi is currently remanded at Kitalya Government Prison.
The letter, signed by the Head of the Family, Alhaji Musa Lutaaya, authorises Lukwago to “handle the affairs in the criminal matter” and to “pursue all means regarding this matter to its successful conclusion.” The correspondence originated from Bugoye village in Butambala District, underscoring the family’s collective decision to seek a strong and focused legal defence.
The appointment marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving the Butambala County MP, whose arrest and detention have generated intense political, legal and public debate over recent weeks.
Background To The Arrest
Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, a senior member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was arrested in January 2026 following a security operation authorities described as part of a crackdown on what they termed “unlawful mobilisation and incitement” in parts of Greater Mpigi and Butambala.
Security agencies have stated that intelligence reports linked several opposition figures to activities allegedly aimed at organising illegal assemblies and mobilising supporters in a manner considered prejudicial to public order.
On the day of his arrest, heavily armed security personnel reportedly surrounded Muwanga Kivumbi’s residence before taking him into custody. Eyewitness accounts indicated that plain-clothed operatives, later identified as members of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), led the operation.
Police later confirmed that the legislator was being investigated on allegations of incitement to violence, unlawful assembly and suspected coordination of activities deemed a threat to public order. He was subsequently arraigned in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison as investigations continued.
His arrest was immediately contested by his legal team and the National Unity Platform, who described the charges as vague and politically motivated. Party officials maintained that Muwanga Kivumbi had been engaged in constitutionally protected political activities, including constituency consultations and meetings with supporters.
Human rights organisations and civil society actors also raised concerns about the manner of arrest, prolonged detention, and what they described as the growing criminalisation of political activity.
High-Profile Legal Defence
The decision to appoint Erias Lukwago—one of Uganda’s most prominent lawyers and outspoken political figures—signals the family’s intention to mount a robust and high-profile legal defence.
Legal analysts note that Lukwago’s entry into the case could significantly influence its trajectory, given his extensive experience in criminal litigation, constitutional law and politically sensitive cases.
As proceedings continue, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi remains on remand at Kitalya Government Prison, with growing public attention focused on the unfolding legal battle and its broader political implications.
