The murder case involving 2 NUP legislators Makindye West Mp, Allan Ssewanyana, and Kawempe North Mp Muhammad Ssegirinya has climaxed with a revision in their charge sheet.
The legislators were last week thrown into jail at Kigo prisons after Masaka Grade one Court slapped 3 counts of murder and attempted murder on them.
The charges stemmed from accusations by the state that the MP’s were involved in the murder of 3 locals at Ssetaala and Ssenya Villages in Kimanya-Kabonera division in Masaka city on August 23rd, 2021.
In a fresh development on Wednesday afternoon, the directorate of public prosecutions -DPP has revised their charge sheet to include terrorism.
Reading the changes to the suspects who appeared via zoom from prison, Masaka Grade One Magistrate, Grace Wakooli refused to allow the suspects to plead to the charges as the court cannot try capital offences.
The revised charge sheet was presented by the Masaka Resident State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka.
The prosecution alleges that between the months of January and August this year, while in various places in Uganda, with intents to intimidate the public for political, religious, social, or economic gains, the suspects indiscriminately involved themselves in murder and attempted murder of people.
Shamim Malende the lawyer representing the MPs pleaded with the court to speed up investigations given the gravity of the crimes.
She wondered why investigations would drag in a sensitive matter such as the greater Masaka murders.
She exclaims “A-5 and A-6 that I represent were quickly paraded before this court as if evidence to prosecute them was readily available, your worship it is very perturbing that these MPs continue to be incarcerated yet investigations are still ongoing, in that regard , we pray that the state expedites the investigations so that the matter can be concluded. This matter should be given the seriousness it deserves.”
She said are both treating serious health complications ”but also to note your worship, both these persons are living under hard conditions at Kigo prison. hon Allan Ssewanyana suffers from hypertension and has been under constant medical supervision, while hon Ssegirinya suffers renal failure and has also been under medical supervision.”
The State Attorney however argued that they are still within the six-month timeline within, which investigations into grave criminal matters can be conducted.
The suspects have been further remanded the suspects to September 29th.
