The government has dropped murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP Mohammed Ssegirinya and directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to amend the indictment against Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana.
Ssegirinya passed away on January 9, 2025, at Lubaga Hospital after battling multiple health complications. His health had been a concern for some time. In October 2023, he was discharged from UMC Hospital in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he had been receiving treatment.
A month later, he was admitted to Nsambya Hospital in Uganda for lung-related complications. He later revealed that he was battling skin cancer, hypertension, and lung infections. His condition worsened in January 2024, leading to his admission at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
During his tenure in Parliament, Ssegirinya faced several legal battles. In 2021, he and MP Allan Ssewanyana were arrested on charges of murder, terrorism, and aiding and abetting terrorism in connection with a series of killings in the Greater Masaka region.
The two, along with four other suspects, were accused of multiple murders, including those of Joseph Bwanika (Kisekka Village, Lwengo District), Francis Mugerwa Kiiza, Sulaiman Kakooza, and Tadeo Kiyimba (Masaka City). Prosecutors also alleged they attempted to kill Ronald Ssebyoto and were involved in financing the attacks.
After spending 524 days in prison, Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana were granted bail on February 13, 2023, by Masaka High Court Judge Lawrence Tweyanze, each posting Shs 20 million in bail.
Ssegirinya’s passing marked the end of a turbulent political journey. A by-election was held to fill his seat, with Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola emerging victorious.
