The long-delayed trial of Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and four co-accused hit another roadblock today after the International Crimes Division of the High Court failed yet again to proceed with hearings, leaving both the public and legal circles surprised.
The case, which was scheduled for today, April 7, 2025, was expected to finally move forward after multiple postponements. But to the dismay of the courtroom and observers across the country, the session was abruptly stalled reportedly due to the absence of lead prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka, who is reportedly indisposed.
Additionally, the amended indictment that the court had previously ordered has not yet been submitted.
At the center of the case is Allan Ssewanyana, a prominent opposition Member of Parliament Makindye West from National Unity Platform (NUP) alongside four co-accused individuals.
They are charged with multiple counts of murder, attempted murder and terrorism stemming from a string of gruesome machete killings that rocked the Greater Masaka region in 2021.
The State alleges the group played a role in coordinating attacks meant to instill fear, disrupt public order and undermine government authority accusations Ssewanyana has consistently denied calling them politically motivated.
Although the court had previously committed the case for trial, sources inside the International Crimes Division revealed that key witnesses were unavailable and some case files were still under internal review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In an ironic twist, defense lawyers were fully prepared having brought forward motions to challenge the credibility of evidence that was allegedly extracted under threat.
“It’s starting to feel like justice is not only delayed but also deliberately denied,” lamented one of Ssewanyana’s lawyers outside the courthouse. “Our client has waited for over three years under a cloud of suspicion. When will the court finally act?”
The delay adds another layer to the saga that many Ugandans especially supporters of the opposition see as a case of weaponized lawfare.
The continuous halting of proceedings has left critics accusing the judiciary of bowing to political pressure, especially with general elections on the horizon.
Inside and outside the courtroom, the tension was palpable. A small group of supporters held placards outside, chanting, “Free Ssewanyana, free justice!” while security maintained a heavy presence.
