Kampala – The Ugandan state has formally dropped murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, following his death on January 8.
The High Court’s International Crimes Division took judicial notice of Ssegirinya’s demise and condoled with the nation. Justice Alice Komuhangi Kaukha presided over the court session.
Ssegirinya’s lawyer, Samuel Mulindwa Muyiizi, informed the court that his client had passed away on January 8, 2025, and requested guidance on how to proceed with representing co-accused Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana.
Lead prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka condoled with the nation and the family of the late MP. He requested more time to reorganize the evidence and amend the indictment to drop Ssegirinya’s name.
Justice Kaukha directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to amend the indictment and proceed with the trial of the remaining suspects.
The court gave the DPP two weeks to amend the indictment, with pre-trial proceedings scheduled for April 7-8.
Lawyers representing the accused expressed concerns that amending the indictment would be absurd, as Ssegirinya’s name will still appear in the evidence.
