MASAKA, UGANDA: The High Court in Masaka has finally granted bail to Members of Parliament; Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) and Muhammad Sseigirnya (Kawempe North) after nearly two years of imprisonment on murder accusations.
The duo today appeared before the presiding judge, Lawrence Tweyanze who reasoned with their lawyers that it is a constitutional right for the two to be released on bail but also to enable them to get treatment outside the prison where they have been since September 2021.
Judge Tweyanze directed that each of the released MPs pays a cash bail of Shs20 million each while their sureties, Shs50 million each in non-cash.
The MPs who subscribe to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have also had their Passports withheld by the court until further notice, and have been told to report once every month to the Registrar International Crimes Division, and not to interfere with the investigations.
The bail comes at the backdrop of an unprecedented move in which the state which had earlier opposed the application by the two legislators opted to reverse the same.
The State attorney, Richard Birivumbuka told court in the morning that the DPP had issued a certificate of no objection to the bail application and subsequently asked that the three affidavits filed against the bail application be withdrawn.
The state attorney however asked court for a “substantial amount of cash” to be imposed on the two legislators if court is to release them on bail.
Background of the case
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana, alongside five others, are accused of murder, attempted murder, and aiding and abetting terrorism stemming from the 2021 spate of killings in Masaka and Lwengo districts of the Greater Masaka region. In the wave of murders, unknown assailants using machetes killed 20 people in the area.
Their co-accused are Bulo Wamala, John Mugerwa, Jackson Kanyike, Mike Sserwadda and Jude Muwonge.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
