The government, through the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala, has formally withdrawn murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, following his passing earlier this year and directed the DPP to amend the indictment against Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanya and four others.
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Following his death on 8th January, the case against him automatically fell, and the state cannot continue prosecuting him.
The development comes before the High Court’s International Crimes Division as Justice Alice Komuhangi Kaukha took judicial notice and condoled with the entire nation for the death of Ssegirinya, who was jointly accused with the Makindye West MP Allah Ssewanyana and 4 others of having a hand in the 2021 murders in the greater Masaka region, commonly referred to as the “Bijambiya murders.”
“Because other accused persons are still on remand, it is for this reason that the prosecution is given only two weeks to amend the indictment and also serve the remaining disclosures fully not later than April 1, 2025. The matter is adjourned to 7th and 8th April for conferencing and reading of the charges,” Justice Kaukha ruled.
During a court session on Monday, Ssegirinya’s defense lawyer, Mr Samuel Mulindwa Muyiizi, asked the court to amend the indictment in light of his client’s death.
“We would want to appreciate the patience given by the court at all times when our client was ill, and oftentimes prayed for him when the court was commencing. Our client passed on January 9th, 2025, and was buried on the eleventh day, and upon his death, the criminal proceedings abated. I apply to have the indictment amended,” Mr. Muyiizi stated.
The prosecution, led by Mr Richard Birivumbuka, requested additional time to reorganize evidence and amend the indictment to exclude Ssegirinya, whose charges abate automatically.
Court, however, said that the case will continue against Ssegirinya’s co-accused, including Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, who is out on bail, and four others: Mike Sserwadda, Jude Muwonge, Bulo Wamala, John Mugera, and Jackson Kanyike. They face charges of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder, terrorism, and aiding and abetting terrorism.
The prosecution alleges that the group was behind a series of machete killings in the Masaka sub-region, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people between March and June 2021. The case remains in the pre-trial stage before the International Crimes Division
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Muyizzi claimed that the terrorism charges against Ssegirinya were politically motivated. “These charges were dead on arrival; they are dead now, and they will also die again in the future,” Muyizzi asserted.
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