The family of the late Hajj Ali Lutaaya has formally appointed Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as lead legal counsel in the ongoing terrorism case facing Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi.
In a decisive move that adds new weight to the high-stakes case, the family confirmed Lukwago’s appointment through a letter dated January 28, 2026, addressed to Lukwago & Co. Advocates. The law firm has been mandated to take full control of all legal matters related to the case, as Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi remains on remand at Kitalya Government Prison.
Family Speaks Through Formal Mandate
The letter, signed by Alhaji Musa Lutaaya, Head of the Lutaaya family, authorises Lukwago to “handle the affairs in the criminal matter” and to “pursue all means regarding this matter to its successful conclusion.”
Originating from Bugoye village in Butambala District, the correspondence underscores a united family decision to secure a strong, focused and fearless legal defence for the embattled legislator.
The appointment marks a major development in a case that has stirred intense political, legal and public debate across the country. Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi’s arrest and continued detention have become a flashpoint in discussions around political freedoms, security operations and the limits of lawful political mobilisation.
Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, a senior NUP figure, was arrested in January 2026 following a security operation authorities said targeted “unlawful mobilisation and incitement” in parts of Greater Mpigi and Butambala.
Security agencies claim intelligence linked several opposition politicians to activities allegedly aimed at organising illegal assemblies and mobilising supporters in ways deemed a threat to public order.
On the day of his arrest, heavily armed security personnel reportedly surrounded the MP’s residence before taking him into custody. Eyewitnesses said the operation was led by plain-clothed operatives later identified as officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
Police later confirmed that the legislator was under investigation for incitement to violence, unlawful assembly, and suspected coordination of activities considered prejudicial to public order. He was subsequently arraigned in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison as investigations continued.
The arrest was immediately challenged by Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi’s lawyers and the National Unity Platform, who dismissed the charges as vague and politically motivated. Party officials insist the MP was engaged in constitutionally protected political work, including constituency consultations and meetings with supporters.
Human rights organisations and civil society actors have also raised red flags over the manner of arrest, prolonged detention and what they describe as the increasing criminalisation of political activity.
Bringing in Erias Lukwago one of Uganda’s most seasoned lawyers and a vocal political actor signals a no-holds-barred legal fight. Analysts say his experience in criminal litigation, constitutional law and politically sensitive cases could significantly shape the direction of the proceedings.
For now, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi remains behind bars at Kitalya Government Prison, as public attention intensifies around a case many see as a test of Uganda’s justice system and political tolerance.