The case in which Kawempe North Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya is accused of terrorism has been pushed to next year.
Ssegirinya is jointly charged with Makindye West Member of Parliament, Allan Ssewanyana, alongside Jackson Kanyike, John Mugerwa, Bull Wamala, and Mike Sserwadda. The group is facing charges of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder.
The charges stem from the wave of machete killings that occurred in the greater Masaka district two years ago, resulting in the death of more than 20 people and the injury of scores of others.
On Monday, the MP’s lawyer Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa told Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha of the International Crimes Division of the High Court that Ssegirinya could not appear in court because he has an acute medical condition and is in critical condition at Nsambya Hospital. He said that Ssegirinya has been at the facility since November 6th.
Muyizzi presented a medical report showing that he has an acute medical condition whose treatment started at the University Hospital in Amsterdam and the recommendation is that he should be referred to the same hospital for further management.
The lawyer also submitted a document dated 23rd November from Parliament signed by the Clerk confirming support for his transfer for treatment. Muyizzi added that Ssegirinya has however not yet been transferred because of the condition he is in.
David Kasadda, Nicholas Senkumi who are the lawyers of the other accused persons, and the State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka did not object to Muyizzi ‘s request.
Justice Komuhangi said she had considered the confidential letter from Nsambya Hospital and found it to be genuine to grant an adjournment. She adjourned the case to February 19th, 2024, and directed the Prosecution to conclude the sharing of the evidence they intend to rely on to pin the accused persons in this case.
Asked if Ssegirinya’s sickness will not affect the right to speedy trial of his four co-accused who are in jail, Muyizzi asked the court to grant them bail and also wants the Director of Public Prosecutions to drop charges against all accused persons saying that she doesn’t have evidence against them.