MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya of Kawempe North, Allan Ssewanyana of Makindye west among other four co-accused persons’ case has been adjourned till 29th/09/2021 since the inquiries into the case are still ongoing.
State prosecutor Birivumbuka told the court that inquiry into the case is still ongoing, asking court to adjourn the matter.
However, the state slapped new charges of terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorism on legislators Mohammed Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana, and four other co-accused persons.
The accused now face up to six charges including three of murder and one of attempted murder in addition to the two fresh counts
Appearing before Masaka grade one magistrate, Grace Wakoli, during Wednesday’s hybrid court session, the senior resident state attorney, Richard Birivumbuka told the court that the ‘‘state had amended the charge sheet of the group adding two more charges.
Birivumbuka alleges that ‘‘the group and others still at large in the period of January to August 2021 took part in killing people in Masaka region and other parts of the country.
He further stated that the court inquiry into the case is still ongoing hence magistrate Mr Wakoli adjourned the matter till September 29.
The defense lawyer, Shamimu Malende told court that the state is free to add all charges it wishes but expedite the inquiry into the matter and show the true people killing people.
“Continued holding of these people in prison denies the people of their constituencies a right to representation in parliament. Kawempe North MP, Ssegirinya and the Makindye West legislator.’’, she added.
According to Malende, Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya have so far missed 6 sittings and they also have health conditions which can’t be handled in prison.
Magistrate Wakoli however ordered that the ‘‘legislators bring the issue of their illness to prison authorities as the state completes investigations in the stated period.
“Case adjourned till 29/09/2021 at 9:00am we continue to pray for our people and ask for their release”, she further tweeted after court hearing.
The accused are expected to be sent to high court for hearing of their case after investigations are done.