The State has slapped MPs Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya with new charges of murder allegedly committed at Kisekka in Lwengo district, they have been remanded to Kigo prison until 13th October, 2021
The two MPs who were re-arrested separately as they left Kigo prison after being released on bail were on Wednesday arraigned before Masaka Chief Magistrate, Charles Yeteise and charged with the murder of one Joseph Bwanika.
Prosecution states that Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana caused the death of Bwanika, a resident of Kisekka B village Kankamba parish in Lwengo District on August 2, 2021.
However, they were not allowed to apply for bail because Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court does not have the jurisdiction to try murder which is a capital offence in nature.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Muhoozi David today also updated the parliament on the matter of MPs duo that led to members of the Opposition leaving the House yesterday.
The Opposition members of parliament had resolved not to attend sittings until the legislators are produced in courts of law.
“We can’t be here legislating when the state is violating the rights of our own Members of Parliament. It should not be business as normal,”Mpuuga said.
Consequently, Mpuuga was joined by Kira Municipality legislator, Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda who introduced a motion to have the parliamentary sitting suspended until their colleagues have been released.
The two who looked to be in pain as they entered the court, Hon. David Muhoozi the Minister of State for Internal Affairs informed the house that the medical concerns of Hon.Ssegirinya are being handled and his doctors will be allowed to access him.
He also informed the house that MPs, Allan Ssewanyana and Hon Ssegirinya have been at the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka and have been moved to Masaka this afternoon to appear before court on the new charges
Speaker of the parliament Jacob Oulanyah during the seating said arresting of MPs should be undertaken by Security operatives of a “certain” status, not just Constables. There should be respect of Office and Status of the members of Parliament.
The MPs are expected to return to court on October 13, 2021 for mention of the cases.