High Court to rule on MP Ssewanyana terrorism charges in August
Makindye West Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana (2nd right) and his co-accused appear in the dock at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala on May 12, 2025. PHOTO/JULIET KIGONGO
What you need to know:
- The court’s decision comes after the prosecution amended the charge sheet to formally remove the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who died on January 9 following a prolonged illness.
- MP Ssewanyana remains out on bail, while his four co-accused continue to be held on remand at Luzira Prison.
The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has scheduled August 26 as the date to deliver its ruling on whether to confirm terrorism-related charges against Makindye West Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana and four co-accused.
The court’s decision comes after the prosecution amended the charge sheet to formally remove the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who died on January 9 following a prolonged illness. The updated indictment clears the way for the case to proceed against the remaining suspects.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Richard Birivumbuka, while presenting the amended charges, told court: “The prosecution has dropped Hon. Ssegirinya from the indictment in light of his passing. The case against Hon. Ssewanyana and the four others, however, remains grounded on serious offenses.”
MP Ssewanyana is jointly charged with Mike Sserwadda, Jackson Kanyike, Bulo Wamala, and John Mugerwa. The group faces charges of terrorism, 15 counts of attempted murder, murder, and aiding and abetting terrorism, all linked to the 2021 Bijambiya killings in the Greater Masaka region, where 26 people were murdered in a series of nighttime attacks.
According to the revised indictment, the alleged offenses were committed between January and August 2021 in Kampala, Rakai, and Masaka districts. The prosecution claims the accused acted with the intent to intimidate sections of the public for political, social, or religious reasons.
Among the named victims are Mugerwa Kizza, Sulaiman Kakooza, Tadeo Kiyimba, and Ronald Sebyoto, all residents of Ssettaala village.
Additionally, MP Ssewanyana faces a separate count of aiding and abetting terrorism, with the state alleging that he provided financial support knowing or believing that the funds would be used to facilitate terrorist acts.
Despite the amended charges being read in court, the accused were not allowed to enter pleas. Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha ruled that plea-taking will only occur if the court finds sufficient evidence to confirm the charges.
“This court must first review the prosecution’s disclosed materials including photographs of the deceased, crime scene reports, and witness statements to determine whether there is a case to answer,” said Justice Komuhangi.
She further clarified that if the charges are confirmed, the accused will be committed to trial before a panel of three justices.
The court has granted both the prosecution and defense two months to file their written submissions. Justice Komuhangi stressed the need for urgency, noting: “This case has been in the pre-trial phase for too long. All parties must act diligently so that justice is not delayed any further.”
MP Ssewanyana remains out on bail, while his four co-accused continue to be held on remand at Luzira Prison.
