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Parliament on Friday held a special session to honour the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on Thursday, January 9.
During the session, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, Ssegirinya’s co-accused in a controversial murder case, delivered an emotional tribute that revealed startling details about the circumstances leading to his colleague’s death, including the high cost of his medical treatment.
Denied Bail, Denied Treatment
Ssewanyana expressed his disappointment over the denial of bail for both himself and Ssegirinya during their incarceration, a decision he attributed to political interference.
"The right to a fair hearing entails the right to bail because everyone is innocent until proven guilty," he argued.
He revealed that Ssegirinya had a pre-existing critical illness which worsened due to lack of timely medical attention.
Ssegirinya had returned from Germany for treatment shortly before his arrest.
He was scheduled to attend a follow-up appointment with a specialist from India according to Ssewanyana.
However, the denial of bail prevented him from seeking the necessary treatment, leading to his deteriorating health.
High Medical Bills Amid Political Tensions
According to Ssewanyana, the government spent over Shs 900 million on the Kawempe North Mp’s treatment, money that could have been saved if he was not denied bail.
“Had he received medical attention earlier, he would have facilitated his own treatment, and the government would not have spent Shs 900 million on his care,” Ssewanyana stated.
Ssewanyana lamented that the delay in allowing him access to medical treatment likely cost him his life.
“The politics in this country is the reason he lies here today,” he added, urging the government to prioritise justice and fairness in handling such cases.
Ssegirinya, known for his advocacy for the poor, leaves behind young children who, according to Ssewanyana, have lost a courageous father who endured immense suffering.
Harsh Criticism of Museveni’s Judicial Influence
Several MPs, including Asuman Basalirwa, Muwanga Kivumbi, and Barnabas Tinkasimire, criticised President Yoweri Museveni for his public and private interventions urging the judiciary to deny bail to suspects accused of murder.
The President had previously advised Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo to avoid granting bail in such cases, citing justice for victims.
MPs argued that this interference contributed to the prolonged detention and subsequent health decline of Ssegirinya.
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana were arrested in September 2021 and charged with involvement in murders linked to the spate of machete killings in Masaka.
Both denied the charges, maintaining that their detention was politically motivated.