MPs Ssewanyana & Ssegirinya seek specialized treatment abroad as pretrial flops
The pretrial of accused Legislators Allan Ssewanyana, Makindye West and Muhammed Ssegirinya , Kawempe North has hit a snag after the MPs appeared in court sick and unable to talk.
The duo face criminal charges related to the spate of killings in the Greater Masaka sub-region between May and July 2021 including attempted murder, murder and terrorism.
On February 13, 2023, the Masaka High court released Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya on 20 million shillings cash bail after the State withdrew its objection to the bail application. The ailing suspects who attended court via video link from Kigo prisons were granted bail on grounds of ill health.
In his ruling, Lawrence Tweyanze granted the accused persons cash bail of Shillings 20 million each, and granted the prayers of the state, except for restricting the legislators from moving out of the country. Justice Tweyanze ordered the MPs to report to the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala once every month.
The duo appeared on Monday morning for the pretrial hearing of the case, however the presiding judge Komuhangi Alice adjourned the matter to March 27, 2023 on grounds that the accused were unfit to attend court.
Ssewanyana’s caretakers say he was carried from his hospital bed for the hearing but also to request court for permission for him to seek specialized treatment in Nairobi Kenya. The very ill MP, clad in a white shirt with blue prints and blue trousers failed to get out of the car as he reportedly couldn’t walk. He stayed lying on the back seat of his car with a cannula to his left hand, almost oblivious of what was going on around him.
MPs Ssewanyana & Ssegirinya seek specialized treatment abroad as pretrial flops
Journalists were allowed to peep into the ride and take pictures without being able to ask the legislator questions.
Ssegirinya on the other hand appeared a bit stronger than his colleague. The Mp briefly addressed journalists saying he is still unwell and receiving treatment, but declined to comment on the matter.
Their lawyer Samuel Muyiizi, told Galaxy FM reporter Rashidah Nakaayi that Monday was the first phase of the pretrial hearing involving the MPs and co accused. He explained that the MPs in their condition had to make an appearance because the pleaders to their co-accused insisted that trial proceeds because they remain jailed while the MPs have temporal freedom.
He says Ssewanyana came to the precincts of parliament on a stretcher and medical personnel and court ordered that the defendants shouldn’t present
“The pretrial was scheduled to proceed today but unfortunately due to health challenges we couldn’t proceed. However,Hon Ssegirinya irrespective managed to appear in court , he is still frail and not ready for trial. The Hon.Ssewanyana had come to court for two purposes, to attend and seek permission for him to travel for specialised treatment in Nairobi,” said Muyizzi.
MPs Ssewanyana & Ssegirinya seek specialized treatment abroad as pretrial flops
