Legislators Allan Ssewanyana of Makindye West and Muhammad Ssegirinya of Kawempe North’s woos are far from over after the Director of Public Prosecutions amended their charge sheet to include terrorism as well as aiding and abetting terrorism. The two legislators are on remand on charges of murder and attempted stemming from the insecurity that characterized Greater Masaka last month.
The Masaka Grade one magistrate’s court was full to capacity as legal counsels, families and supporters of Allan Ssewanyana and Ssegirinya Muhammad the legislators representing Makindye West and Kawempe North respectively waited for the start of proceedings in a case in which the two MPs are accused of three counts of murder and attempted murder, offences they allegedly committed on August 23 this year at Ssetaala and Ssenya villages located in Kimanya-Kabonera division in Masaka city.
After protracted delays caused by technical glitches, the hybrid court session before Grade One Magistrate Grace Wakoli started, with legislators participating via zoom from Kitalya and Kigo prisons where they are remanded.
Senior Resident State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka kicked off proceedings by telling Court that the State had amended the charge sheet to include terrorism as well as aiding and abetting terrorism.
The state alleges that the two legislators and others still at large between January and August 2021 took part in the killing of people in the Masaka region and other parts of the country. This brings to six the number of charges facing the legislators.
Birivumbuka told court investigations were still on into the matter.
The legislators are represented by Shamim Malende and Sam Ssekyewa as defence counsels.
Shamim Malende told Court it was okay for the State to add more charges, but investigations should be hastened so the clients get timely justice.
It was also heard that Allan Ssewanyana is sickly and that both legislators require specialized treatment.
The hearing of the case was adjourned to 29TH of September 2021.
