The High Court in Masaka City has postponed to next month the hearing of the bail application by MPs Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Masaka High Court Judge Lawrence Tweyanze also ordered for specialised treatment for the two jailed MPs, most especially Ssewanyana, who is currently admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition.
Justice Tweyanze issued the orders on Tuesday during the hearing of the second bail application by the two MPs, who are battling terrorism charges.
This was after the MPs’ lawyers led by Elias Lukwago requested for bail, saying their clients are in poor health and require urged specialised treatment.
He revealed that Ssewanyana’s health condition is deteriorating and that he may even not live to stand trial.
The judge then directed the prison authorities to ensure the accused persons receive specialized medical attention pending the hearing of their bail application.
However, Richard Birivumbuka, the Masaka Principal Resident State Attorney, told court that they were not ready for the bail hearing.
He asked the judge to halt the main trial for murder in Masaka, to allow them first to proceed with the terror charges before the International Crimes Division in Kampala.
According to the State, it will be exhausting for the State and the defense to be subjected to back-and-forth movements between Kampala and Masaka if the trials are conducted concurrently.
The court then set the bail hearing on February 13, 14 and 15.
One of the MPs’ lawyers, Caleb Alaka, told journalists in Masaka City on Tuesday that they are hopeful that the bail application will be heard and concluded on the set dates.
The two MPs have been on remand for more than a year over the 2021 killings in greater Masaka.
