The two Opposition Members of Parliament who are accused of having a hand in the recent Great Masaka killings region have been granted bail after spending two weeks on remand.
The two Members of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana for Makindye West and Muhammad Ssegirinya for Kawempe North were arrested on September 7 after they were summoned to Masaka Central Police station over the killings in the greater Masaka area.
The suspects, who attended court via video link from Kigo, through their lawyers Elias Lukwago and Shamim Malende, told the court that they are suffering grave illnesses which include Hypertension and complications of the kidney and liver, which cannot effectively be managed inside prisons.
However, despite getting bail, the duo, Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) and Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North), did not leave prison yesterday after they were unable to pay Shs40m bail fees since it was beyond banking time.
Mr Erias Lukwago, their lead lawyer, said they would be able to find the money and bank it today before they can secure the legislators’ release from Kigo Prison where they have been on remand.
However, MPs to deposit their passports with the registrar of the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala and also report twice every month to the same court as other bail conditions.
Court also warned the lawmakers not to engage in any actions that may cause unnecessary public excitement.
The presiding judge made three adjournments before making her final ruling.
Earlier, the prosecution led by Mr Richard Birivumbuka had opposed the release of the MPs, arguing that they would interfere with investigations.
Once convicted of murder and terrorism charges, the MPs stand to be handed the maximum punishment of death by hanging.