The state has formally dropped murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya.
The revelation was made before the High Court’s International Crimes Division, where Justice Alice Komuhangi Kaukha acknowledged Ssegirinya’s passing and extended condolences to the nation.
Ssegirinya had been jointly accused alongside Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and four others of orchestrating the 2021 wave of killings in the Greater Masaka region, commonly referred to as the “Bijambiya” murders.
During the court session, Ssegirinya’s lawyer, Samuel Mulindwa Muyizzi, informed Justice Komuhangi that his client had passed away on January 8, 2025, and that his legal representation had effectively ended on that date.
Seeking guidance on how to proceed with the defense of Allan Ssewanyana, Muyizzi prompted the court to call on lead prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka for clarification.
In response, Birivumbuka conveyed condolences on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and requested additional time to reorganize the evidence.
He stated that the prosecution needed to amend the indictment to remove Ssegirinya and continue the case against the remaining accused.
Following these submissions, the court formally discharged Ssegirinya from the case. However, with other suspects still in custody, Justice Komuhangi granted the prosecution until April 1 to finalize the amended indictment.
She further scheduled pre-trial proceedings, including the rereading of charges, for April 7 and 8.
Despite Ssegirinya’s removal from the case, the prosecution maintains that in August 2021, the two MPs conspired with others to carry out the brutal killings that terrorized the Greater Masaka region.
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