Opposition legislators Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanyana ( Makindye West) have dismissed claims that their court bail was a result of private negotiations with the ruling government.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in at the NUP headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, the MPs said their release from jail on charges of murder in relation to the 2021 killings in Greater Masaka region was due to pressure from their fellow legislators, the rest of the public, the media and the international community.
“We heard that there were negotiations for our release. It was the first time I heard about that. Why would we negotiate? I am innocent. Our lawyers requested bail, and bail was granted,” Ssewanyana: said.
He added: “It’s a fact that we were arrested and released, but many words have been said. It’s so sad that some leaders use such situations to spread propaganda.”
Ssegirinya said: “There weren’t any negotiations prior to our release. We were released because of the constant pressure that came from our people, the media, and the international community.”
Ssewanyana wondered why he would pay UGX 20 million and have his passport withheld if there were negotiations.
The two legislators instead said they were innocent of the charges against them. They also said their accusers were scared of their achievements and wanted to destroy them.
Ssegirinya said: “I am the only MP who executed his manifesto in two months. This didn’t sit well with several people.”
They further said their imprisonment has left their personal and political lives in a mess.
Ssegirinya said: “My President Kyagulanyi told us to be different and not be greedy. With all the funds I received, I made sure I did something for my people. For the time I have been in prison, all my programs collapsed. My community hospitals, my initiative SEG Box and others.”
“Life in prison wasn’t pleasant. Before my release, I got ill, and I could barely move or talk. I was advised to see a therapist after my medication,” Hon Ssewanyana said.
Ssegirinya said: “My story is not different from Hon. Allan Ssewanyana’s. We have been psychologically and emotionally tortured.”
They also thanked all Ugandans for all the support and said they will not be intimidated by their experiences.
Ssewanyana said: “To all the Members of Parliament who cast a voice towards our imprisonment and the media who made sure our story was shared, thank you.”
“Fellow Ugandans, we have been there for you, we have suffered and our backs are not yet broken,” Ssewanyana said.
The law makers, who are out on bail, are accused of being behind the spate of killings in greater Masaka in 2021 that left at least 26 people majorly the elderly, dead. They deny the charges.
They have now asked the International Crimes Division of the High Court to halt their trial pending determination of a constitutional petition challenging the legality of the proceedings.