Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa has called on the government to consider withdrawing charges against individuals who were co-accused with the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. Basalirwa, who is also the Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, made this appeal while paying tribute to Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9, 2025. He argued that since the law dictates that cases against deceased individuals cease, it would be fair to exonerate the co-accused as well.
Ssegirinya was arrested in September 2021 alongside Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana on charges of murder and terrorism related to machete killings in Greater Masaka. They were joined by other co-accused, including Jackson Kanyike, John Mugerwa, Bull Wamala, and Mike Sserwadda. The MPs spent about 17 months on remand before being granted bail. Basalirwa, who served as one of Ssegirinya’s lawyers, noted that there were around seven cases against Ssegirinya and his co-accused.
Basalirwa’s call for the withdrawal of charges reflects a broader concern about the impact of prolonged legal battles on the accused, particularly in cases where the primary defendant has passed away. This appeal comes as Parliament pays tribute to Ssegirinya, acknowledging his contributions as a vocal advocate for justice and democracy.