Ssewanyana, Ssegrinya

The state has removed its objection from a bail application for two National Unity Platform Legislators Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West).

The Legislators appeared on Monday via Zoom from the Kigo government prison for the hearing of a bail application filed by their lawyers. The duo was represented by Defense lawyers Medard Ssegona and Mathias Mpuuga also Leader of Opposition in pariament.

Senior State Resident Attorney Richard Birivumbuka representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)also withdrew three affidavits of prosecution witnesses filed against the application.

Birivumbuka said the affidavits withdrawn were sworn by Thomas Jatiko, Jennifer Amumpaire and Detective SP Innocent Mubangizi and tendered in on January 23, 2023.The charges stem from a murder case in which the duo are accused of killing one Joseph Bwanika, a resident of Kankamba village, Kisekka B village, Lwengo district.

Birivumbuka told the presiding Judge at the Masaka High Court, Lawrence Tweyanze that the DPP directed prosecution not to object to their bail application. He explained that the DPP only wants the prosecution to make their submissions on bail terms.

Prosecution  however asked court for a “substantial amount of cash” to be imposed on the two legislators if court is to release them on bail..

Justice  Lawrence Tweyanze of Masaka High Court is set to issue his ruling on the bail application.

Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana among others are  accused of murder, attempted murder, aiding and abetting terrorism stemming from the 2021 spate of killings in Masaka and Lwengo districts of Greater Masaka region.

During the opening of the new law year in Kampala the previous Friday, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo asked the State to ensure a speedy and precise trial for the detained legislators.

“Let me say this to the State, you are the one who brought these accused persons to court, you made allegations against them and the law says they are innocent until proven guilty. When the trial begins and it will be soon, there will be no dilly-dallying, there will be no games,” he said.
The Chief Justice went on and warned that if the State is not ready to try the MPs, then the trial judge has the right to dismiss the case against them.

The accused’s bail applications in Masaka High Court are scheduled to be heard on February 13, 14 and 15.

Courtesy Photo