The state revoked an objection to a bail application for two jailed members of parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West).
The Masaka High Court presided over by Justice Lawrence Tweyanze on Monday commenced hearing of the bail application.
The Mps appeared in court on Monday from the Kigo government prison via Zoom technology. Defence lawyers Medard Ssegona and Mathias Mpuuga represented them in the bail application.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), withdrew three affidavits of prosecution witnesses filed against the application. The affidavits withdrawn were sworn by Thomas Jatiko, Jennifer Amumpaire and Detective SP Innocent Mubangizi and tendered in on January 23, 2023.
Senior State Resident Attorney Richard Birivumbuka speaking on behalf of the DPP) told court that they were directed by the the DPP not to object to their bail application but only make their submissions on bail terms.
The duo is accused of killing one Joseph Bwanika, a resident of Kankamba village, Kisekka B village, Lwengo district.
Justice Tweyanze of Masaka High Court is will later issue his ruling on the bail application.
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana among others are accused of murder, attempted murder, aiding and abetting terrorism stemming from the 2021 spate of killings in Masaka and Lwengo districts of Greater Masaka region.
During the opening of the new law year in Kampala the previous Friday, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo asked the State to ensure a speedy and precise trial for the detained legislators.
“Let me say this to the State, you are the one who brought these accused persons to court, you made allegations against them and the law says they are innocent until proven guilty. When the trial begins and it will be soon, there will be no dilly-dallying, there will be no games,” he said.
The Chief Justice went on and warned that if the State is not ready to try the MPs, then the trial judge has the right to dismiss the case against them.
The accused’s bail applications in Masaka High Court are scheduled to be heard on February 13, 14 and 15.
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