The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has decided to suspend proceedings in the case involving Kawempe North Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya and his Makindye West counterpart Allan Ssewanyana. The two MPs are facing charges of terrorism.
Accompanying them in the case are Jackson Kanyike, John Mugerwa, Bull Wamala, and Mike Sserwadda, who are accused of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder related to the wave of machete killings in the greater Masaka district two years ago. This series of attacks resulted in over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.
During a pretrial session overseen by Lady Judge Alice Komuhangi Khauka on Monday, the accused, represented by their lawyers Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, Chrysostom Katumba, Nicholas Ssenkumi, and George Turyamusiima, along with State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, appeared before the court. Notably, Ssegirinya was absent.
Lawyer Mulindwa presented a letter dated January 30th, 2024, addressed to the Clerk to Parliament from the Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya, stating Ssegirinya’s critical illness. According to the letter, signed by Dr. Abel Akanyijuka on behalf of Dr. Adil Salyani, Ssegirinya has been under their care since December 23rd, 2023.
Despite initial signs of improvement, Ssegirinya’s condition worsened, necessitating continued hospital care. The letter indicates that he will remain admitted until deemed fit for discharge, with an anticipated discharge date at least 30 days from the letter’s writing.
Mulindwa explained that Ssegirinya was supposed to return to the University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for treatment but was rushed to St. Francis Nsambya Hospital due to his deteriorating condition. An air ambulance transported him to the nearby Aga Khan Hospital as an interim measure, as it was more affordable than the Netherlands.
Medical records presented to the court revealed Ssegirinya’s diagnosis and treatment for Hepatic Cholangiopathy and Cryptococcal Meningitis, conditions resulting from a lung-to-brain infection spread.
The court also heard about State Minister for Health Margaret Muhanga Mugisha’s request to the Clerk to Parliament on December 12th, 2023, for Ssegirinya’s medical travel and authorization to purchase foreign currency, estimating a cost of $10,000.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the alleged torture of their client Mike Serwadda while in state custody. Serwadda claimed he was coerced into falsely incriminating the legislators and denied any acquaintance with them. Serwadda informed the court of his lawyer Geoffrey Turyamusiima’s failure to file an application challenging the trial’s continuation on torture grounds, leading him to request a halt to the pretrial proceedings.
In her ruling, Judge Komuhangi acknowledged Ssegirinya’s illness and the need to address Serwadda’s torture allegations. She directed Serwadda’s lawyer to submit a formal application by March 18th, 2024, with the prosecution responding, and scheduled a hearing for March 26th, 2024. Meanwhile, she suspended proceedings in the main case until the resolution of Serwadda’s application, allowing time for Ssegirinya’s recovery.
