Makindye West Member of Parliament (MP) Aloysius Allan Ssewanyana has been recharged with terrorism in connection to the brutal machete killings—commonly known as “bijambiya” attacks—that rocked central Uganda in 2021.
Ssewanyana and four other co-accused—Mike Sserwadda, Jackson Kanyike, Bull Wamala, and John Mugerwa—were on Monday formally arraigned before Judge Alice Komuhangi Khauka of the International Crimes Division (ICD) following an amended charge sheet issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo.
In the amended indictment, the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya—previously co-accused in the case—has been removed from the list of suspects.
Details of the Charges:
The prosecution alleges that between January and August 2021, in the districts of Kampala, Rakai, and Masaka, Ssewanyana and his co-accused either directly participated in or aided a series of machete attacks intended to intimidate the public for political, social, or religious reasons.
Victims named in the case include:
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Kizza Mugerwa
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Sulaiman Kakooza
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Tadeo Kiyimba (deceased)
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Ronald Sebyoto (survived attempted murder)
In addition to the principal charge of terrorism, the prosecution seeks convictions for murder, attempted murder, and aiding and abetting terrorism, should the terrorism charge not be upheld.
A separate count accuses Ssewanyana of providing financial support for terrorist activities, knowing that the funds would be used to commit acts of terror. This charge was added in the new indictment prepared by Assistant DPP Lino Anguzu.
Court Proceedings:
Although the charges were read in court, Justice Komuhangi barred the accused from entering pleas at this stage. The court will first review the prosecution’s disclosed evidence—including crime scene reports, photographs of the deceased, and witness statements—before deciding whether to confirm the charges and commit the suspects to trial before a panel of three justices.
Bail and Legal Representation:
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MP Ssewanyana is currently out on bail
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His four co-accused remain on remand at Luzira Prison
The defence is represented by lawyers Henry Kunya, Crysostom Katumba, and Nicholas Ssenkumi, while the prosecution is led by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka from the Office of the DPP.
Justice Komuhangi has directed both sides to file their submissions within two months, with the court expected to rule on the confirmation of charges by August 26, 2025.
