National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya has welcomed the release of Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi while calling for continued efforts to secure the freedom of other opposition supporters still in detention.
Rubongoya said Kivumbi’s release was a significant development but maintained that the situation of other people held in custody remained a concern.
In a message reflecting on Kivumbi’s legal ordeal, Rubongoya also praised individuals and groups that he said had remained committed to supporting the legislator throughout his time in custody and court proceedings.
“A big THANK YOU to this old lady, commonly known as Jajja Kawanga who has never missed any court session ever since Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi was first arrested, released and subsequently abducted,” Rubongoya said.
He described Jajja Kawanga’s continued presence at court as a demonstration of solidarity with Kivumbi, noting that she had attended proceedings despite her advanced age.
“At her age, she has been a constant presence in court,” he added.
Rubongoya also recognised Kivumbi’s legal team for its efforts in pursuing his release, while thanking political leaders who had stood surety for detained opposition supporters and attended court sessions in solidarity with them.
“A big THANK YOU to the legal team that continues to work tirelessly to secure the release of our people,” Rubongoya said.
He further acknowledged the role of journalists in documenting developments surrounding opposition figures and their supporters facing legal proceedings.
“A big THANK YOU to the media who keep a light on these violations,” he said.
Kivumbi’s legal troubles have attracted significant attention after he was detained over terrorism-related allegations linked to violence in Butambala during the 2026 general elections. He was later granted bail, but reports indicated that he was intercepted by security personnel shortly after his release and subsequently spent days in custody before appearing in court again.
Rubongoya said Kivumbi’s release should not mark the end of efforts to secure the freedom of other detainees.
“Hon. Kivumbi is out but we still have many comrades in detention. Let the push continue to the very end,” he said.
The NUP official also thanked Ugandans who have continued to support what he described as prisoners of conscience, urging continued solidarity with those facing detention and court proceedings.
Kivumbi’s case remains part of wider political and legal debates surrounding the treatment of opposition figures and supporters in Uganda following the 2026 elections.