2 Ugandan opposition lawmakers charged with murder get bail

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - A court in Uganda granted bail Monday to two Ugandan opposition lawmakers charged with murder and aiding and abetting terrorism over a series of killings in the country’s central region.

Opposition MPs Allan Ssewanyana of Makindye Division West and Muhammad Ssegirinya of Kawempe North were remanded to Kitalya prison two weeks ago for their alleged involvement in the killings of people in Masaka district.

The lawmakers were charged with three counts of murder, attempted murder and aiding thugs who killed 28 people in August using machetes.

High court judge Victoria Nakintu made the decision after their lawyer Erias Lukwago submitted that they should be granted bail because they are sickly and need special treatment. He said they are responsible people who cannot disappear and also have a duty to represent the people who elected them in parliament. He also said it is unfair to continue holding them when investigations in the case are still going on.

"I grant you court bail. You are requested to report to court after every two weeks. You are also requested to leave your passports with the court," said Justice Nakintu.

According to the police, they were arrested after revelations from some of the confessing culprits.