The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has told the International Crimes Division of the High Court that lawyer Shamim Malende played a role in the postponement of the trial of Kawempe North Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya and his Makindye West counterpart, Allan Ssewanyana.
The two lawmakers, along with John Mugera Jackson Kanyike, Bull Wamala, and Mike Sserwadda, face charges of terrorism, murder, and affiliation with the terrorist group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). These allegations are linked to a series of machete attacks that happened in the greater Masaka district two years ago, which led to more than 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.
On Tuesday, the Prosecution, led by State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, informed the court overseen by Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha that the matter was scheduled for a discussion and clarification. This entailed a review of the disclosed evidence and an assessment of whether the Prosecution had any additional evidence to present to the lawyers representing the accused.
Birivumbuka stressed the importance of close communication with the defense attorneys to prevent unnecessary delays. He stated that he had been able to meet with Evans Ochieng, Caleb Alaka, Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, Erias Lukwago, and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, but Shamim Malende was absent. He indicated that Malende’s involvement had contributed to the postponements.
Birivumbuka elaborated that Malende had raised concerns about not receiving documents when she joined the case on February 20, 2023, and since then, she had not appeared in court. He also mentioned that Ssegirinya was unwell, and John Mugera’s lawyer, Nicholas Senkumi, had missed several court sessions. He asked the accused individuals to confirm who their legal representatives were.
In response, Ssewanyana stated that lawyers from Alaka, Ochieng, Lukwago, and Malende law firms were representing him. He explained that Malende’s absence was due to illness, and she couldn’t send a representative. He assured the court that Malende’s absence would not happen again and pledged to maintain the same legal team.
The court was informed by lawyer Musa Matovu that Ssegirinya did not attend because he was preparing for a trip to the Netherlands for medical treatment due to a visa delay. Justice Komuhangi’s ruling directed the Prosecution to serve the four law firms representing Ssegirinya, Ssewanyana, and the other accused by November 27, 2023.
Failure to comply with this directive would result in the Prosecution’s inability to introduce further evidence. She also summoned the lawyers to her chambers for a meeting to resolve legal issues before proceeding with the case. Shamim Malende was unavailable for comment, and her personal assistant could not be reached.
