Opposition Members of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana (Makdinye West) and Muhammad Ssegirinya ( Kawempe North) have made their first appearance in parliament after close to two years.
The duo first knelt for prayers at the outside stairs of parliament and before finding their way to the office of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in parliament for a brief closed door meeting.
They later proceeded to the Speaker’s chambers where they were received by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on behalf of the speaker and parliament’s administration.
The legislators got bail on February 2023 after nearly 16 months on remand for charges related to attempted murder, murder, and terrorism following their re-arrest on September 7th, 2021.
They are currently battling the charges in the courts of law. While appearing before the International Crimes Division of High Court in Kololo for the hearing of an application to halt trial in two courts (Masaka and Kampala), Ssewanyana opened up about his health condition before later divulging that he would be present in parliament for the first time in over two years.
The Mp told journalists outside court that he is still battling a life threatening blood clot under his lung.
He however said that will not deter him from going about his normal business but with extra caution. Ssewanyana explained that they will first interface with the leader of opposition in parliament Hon. Mathias Mpuuga before attending plenary.
He mentioned missing participation in the passing of several bills like the most recent Anti-Homosexuality bill 2023, the National Sports Bill and Landlord/Tenants Bill, among others.
However, the High Court Justice Alice Komuhangi ruled that the court will not consolidate the two applications filed by legislators Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya and that of lawyer Male Mabirizi.