MP Ssekikubo to face attempted murder charges allegedly committed in 2010

Police in Masaka Sub Region have amended the charge sheet for Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo and preferred a fresh charge of attempted murder against him.
Last Friday, the southern regional police spokesperson, Mr Paul Kanagave had said the lawmaker was to be charged with assault, inciting violence and malicious damage to property.
However, by Sunday evening police had preferred the charge of attempted murder against the MP, an offence reportedly committed during the ruling NRM party primaries in 2010.
Mr Ssekikubo reportedly shot Habibu Nsamba Kanyarutokye, a security operative, in the private parts during the hotly contested party primaries where Ssekikubo was contesting with Patrick Nkalubo.

The MP’s lawyer, Mr Deo Musoke accused police of preferring trumped up charges against his client and keeping him in cells beyond the recommended 48 hours.
MP Ssekikubo was arrested Friday morning amid a scuffle between police and herdsmen who attempted to forcefully enter Lwemiyaga cattle market and sell their cows. Police had a week earlier closed the market following reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the area.
Mr Ssekikubo and a section of herdsmen insist some parts of the district like Lwemiyaga were placed under quarantine yet no cases of FMD had been reported there. They also disagree with veterinary officials for allowing other people in the said quarantined area to continue selling other dairy products like milk and ghee yet cattle trade was stopped.

Mr Musoke wondered why Mr Ssekikubo had not recorded a statement until Sunday evening when his fellow lawmaker Hanifa Kawooya (Woman MP Sembabule District ) visited him at Masaka Central Police Station cells.
“We have learnt about the new charge with shock because attempted murder is criminal offence and one could not participate in two elections that is 2011 and 2016 with such offences,” he said.
Mr Musoke said police officers had informed them that the complainant in the matter is Sembabule District police commander Mr Denis Musinguzi.
He said the case of attempted murder offence had earlier been withdrawn after the complainant lacked enough evidence to implicate Mr Ssekikubo.
Ms Kawooya wondered why police waited to arrest the legislator after raising concern on illegal cattle quarantine imposed in the area.

“I am going to start from where Ssekikubo stopped. The people of Lwemiyaga should be informed about the issue of imposing an illegal quarantine in their area because it now an issue of national importance,” she said.
Masaka Regional Police Commander, Mr Enock Abaine, said Mr Ssekikubo will be arraigned in court today (Monday) to face fresh charges.
“I am told that tomorrow [Monday] he will be taken to court and all details will be unveiled from there,” he said in a telephone interview on Sunday evening.

READ

• Chaos as police arrest MP Ssekikubo over defying cattle quarantine

  

  Mr Ssekikubo and livestock farmers in the area attempted to forcefully enter Lwemiyaga Cattle Market which police closed last week

• Police slap charges against MP Ssekikubo

  

  Theodore Ssekikubo is facing assault, inciting violence and malicious damage to property charges

• ‘Problem in Sembabule is caused by politicians’

  

  Ssembabule District in general and Lwemiyaga County in particular have been a hotbed of political violence. The county has witnessed the deployment of security personnel in almost every election. During NRM primary elections recently, the entire process was marred by chaos that resulted in the arrest of incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo. Risdel Kasasira spoke to Mr Patrick Nkalubo, who contested against Mr Ssekikubo. He was first declared area NRM parliamentary flag bearer and later pronounced as loser. Excerpts:-

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