MPs Ssegirinya, Ssewanyana Denied Bail

Masaka High Court has denied MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) bail on grounds that they may interfere with investigations given their position in society.

The MPs are facing four charges of murder, attempted murder, two charges of terrorism, aiding and abetting terrorism all arising out of their alleged participation in the recent spate of killings in Masaka Sub Region which left over 25 people dead.

High Court Judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, noted that it had been duly proven that the suspects were likely to interfere with the ongoing investigations and probably abscond from court once released on bail.

He asked the Prison authorities to ensure the MPs receive the needed medical attention.

Commenting on the ruling, defense counsel Erias Lukwago said it was unfortunate that Justice Tweyaze overturned Justice Nakintu’s ruling who had granted them bail.

Lukwago noted that they are going to appeal against justice Tweyanze’s decision. “We are going to appeal this decision so that it can be set aside and go unchallenged. We are optimistic that we shall get justice for our clients.”

Last week, Lukwago gave seven grounds to secure bail for the duo, he told court that his clients suffer from chronic illness, bodily harms sustained in the course of being rearrested and cannot get proper medical care while in custody yet the offences are bailable.

He stated that his clients are law abiding citizens with permanent places of abode, substantial sureties and they are ready to abide by any bail conditions that court will impose on them among others.

Lukwago presented six sureties including MPs Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West) ,Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and Geoffrey Kayemba (Bukomansimbi South).

Others are Moses Kasibante (former MP Rubaga North) and Kampala city councilors ;Kevin Namakula(Makindye Ward) ,Thomas Bagonza (Wandegeya )

However, senior Resident State Attorney, Richard Birivumbuka objected to the application, saying the MPs are already facing criminal offences is enough to show that they are not law abiding citizens.