Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo remanded

MASAKA- The trial of Lwemiyaga County Member of Parliament, Mr Theodore Ssekikubo started on Monday with a count of possessing an illegal firearm being added to the charge sheet.

Since his arrest arrested on Friday, Mr Ssekikubo’s charge sheet has been amended twice.

Police officers in Masaka said on Friday that he would face charges of assault, inciting violence and malicious damage to property.

On Sunday, another charge of attempted murder was introduced.

When Mr Ssekikubo was arraigned before the Masaka Chief Magistrates Court, Mr Deogratius Ssejjemba, on Monday, six counts were were read to him.

These include among others; unlawful possession of fire arms, engaging in  acts calculated to cause death and inciting violence and causing physical injuries to voters.

The charge sheet also indicates that the MP engaged in acts of destruction of party [National Resistance Movement]

property, obstructing Mr Stephen Okwi Okedi; the Sembabule District Police commander  and his junior, Mr Idi Kigenyi, who were on duty.

According to the charge sheet, the MP, while allegedly armed, threatened Mr Emmanuel Ssekimpi, the then NRM returning officer in Sembabule District, with violence.

The offences were reportedly committed during the ruling NRM party primaries in 2010 when Mr Ssekikubo was contesting against Mr Patrick Nkalubo.

Mr Ssejjemba read the seventh count of attempted murder before the State Attorney, Ms Aminah Akasa interjected, informing   court that the charge had been dropped . 

In an attempt to secure bail for Mr Ssekikubo, his lawyer, Mr Medard Lubega Sseggona presented sureties including; Ms Babirye Kabanda ( Masaka District Woman MP), Ms Hanifer Kawooya (Sembabule District Woman MP),  Mr Barnabas Tinkasimire (MP Buyaga West), Ms Florence Namayanja (MP  Bukoto East)  and  Mr Johnson  Kamugisha, the Lwemiyaga Sub county district councillor.

But Ms Akasa asked court not grant Ssekikubo bail saying he doesn’t respect court orders.

The Chief Magistrate concurred with her, saying the accused jumped bail 2010.

He remanded him to Masaka Central Prison until Tuesday when he will reappear for the mention of his case.

Mr Ssekikubo was arrested on Friday amid a scuffle between police and herdsmen who attempted to forcefully enter Lwemiyaga Cattle Market.

Police had a week earlier closed the market following a reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease.