The government has officially dropped murder and terrorism charges against the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya while Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, and four others still face legal uncertainty.
The charges stem from the 2021 Masaka machete murders a wave of gruesome killings that left at least 26 people dead. Both MPs known for their affiliation with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) were accused of financing and orchestrating the attacks, an allegation they passionately denied.
Now, following Ssegirinya’s death on January 9, 2025, the state has decided to discontinue his case. However, Ssewanyana and the others remain on the hook.
The case was heard at the High Court’s International Crimes Division where Justice Alice Komuhangi Kaukha acknowledged Ssegirinya’s passing and offered condolences to the nation before formally noting the case’s automatic dismissal.
This development unfolded today, bringing an unexpected twist to a case that has been dragging on for nearly three years. The arrests were first made in September 2021 and both MPs were imprisoned for over a year before being released on bail.
Legally once a suspect dies, criminal charges against them are automatically dismissed. However, opposition argue that the case was always weak and the government is now conveniently using Ssegirinya’s death to sidestep accountability for a politically motivated prosecution.
Meanwhile, the continued trial of Ssewanyana and the four co-accused raises more questions than answers.
The decision was made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who officially withdrew charges against Ssegirinya but moved to amend the accusation against Ssewanyana and the others suggesting that their legal battles are far from over.
For nearly three years, Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana endured arrests, imprisonment and countless court appearances yet no solid evidence was ever publicly presented against them.
When Masaka machete killings (Bijambiya) rocked Uganda in mid-2021, they sent shockwaves of fear across the country. A shadowy group of assailants slaughtered elderly villagers in cold blood leaving authorities scrambling for answers.
Instead of focusing on the real masterminds, the government swiftly turned its attention to opposition MPs accusing them of funding the attacks.
Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated rapidly after his release from prison with reports suggesting he suffered from torture-related complications and he eventually died on January 9, 2025 at Rubaga Hospital in Kampala.
Many in the opposition believe his arrest and prolonged detention contributed to his ill health, making today’s court ruling feel like a hollow formality.
While Ssegirinya’s chapter in this case has closed, Allan Ssewanyana and four co-accused remain entangled in legal uncertainty.
