Tension is at boiling point in Butambala after NUP Deputy President for Buganda, Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, fiercely rejected President Yoweri Museveni’s claim that he masterminded “terrorist” panga attacks on a police station following his 2026 election defeat.
Speaking while receiving the official presidential election victory declaration at his Rwakitura home on Sunday, Museveni accused opposition-linked groups of launching violent attacks after Kivumbi lost the Butambala County parliamentary seat. The President warned that the state would not tolerate political violence disguised as opposition activity.
“Some opposition members are wrong but not terrorists. Some of them are wrong and terrorists. When Kivumbi was defeated, they came with pangas and tried to attack the polling station, and seven were shot dead,” Museveni said.
But Kivumbi has delivered a completely different account one that has shaken the public.
Speaking shortly after Museveni’s remarks, Kivumbi alleged that security forces raided his home at night while vote tallying was still ongoing, forced their way into his compound, and opened fire on his campaign team.
“They were killed inside my house. They weren’t even on the road. They were looking for me,” Kivumbi said, adding that supporters fled as armed personnel stormed the residence.
A video recorded the next morning shows bullet holes in doors and walls, further fuelling suspicion and public anger.
Police have dismissed Kivumbi’s claims. Katonga regional police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said officers were responding to earlier violence, alleging NUP supporters had attacked a tally centre and a police station. Authorities maintain that seven people were shot dead during the clashes.
The violence erupted on 17 January 2026, in the tense aftermath of Museveni’s disputed re-election. International media, including Al Jazeera and Reuters, reported multiple deaths during post-election confrontations between security forces and opposition groups.
Online, the government’s version of events is facing growing scepticism. Social media users are demanding CCTV footage to verify Museveni’s claims and expressing fears that Kivumbi could face further reprisals — highlighting deepening public distrust in official accounts.
According to final results, Kivumbi lost the Butambala County parliamentary race to journalist-turned-independent candidate Eriasa Mukiibi.
As anger simmers and questions mount, the Butambala incident has become yet another flashpoint in Uganda’s volatile post-election landscape.