MP Ssewanyana Recharged with Terrorism in Masaka Killings Case
Court drops late MP Ssegirinya from case as prosecution amends charge sheet
Makindye West Member of Parliament Aloysius Allan Ssewanyana is once again in legal trouble after being re-arraigned on fresh terrorism charges linked to the 2021 machete (bijambiya) killings in the Greater Masaka region.
Ssewanyana, alongside co-accused Mike Sserwadda, Jackson Kanyike, Bull Wamala, and John Mugerwa, appeared in court today following an amended charge sheet issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Notably, the revised charges exclude the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who was removed from the list of accused following his recent death due to severe health complications.
The charges relate to a wave of deadly attacks that rocked Masaka in 2021, leaving more than 30 people dead and dozens injured. Security agencies allege that the violence was politically motivated, carried out in retaliation for electoral defeat. The region is known for its strong support for the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), raising suspicions of political targeting.
Aloysius Ssewanyana is a prominent opposition figure and a founding member of the National Unity Platform, led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine). He was first elected MP for Makindye West in 2016 on the Democratic Party (DP) ticket but later joined NUP ahead of the 2021 general elections. Known for his outspoken criticism of government policies and his advocacy for social justice, Ssewanyana has been a visible figure in Uganda’s opposition politics.
Within NUP, Ssewanyana has been considered a strong grassroots mobilizer and a vocal defender of the party’s agenda in Parliament. However, his current legal troubles, coupled with his public accusation that Democratic Alliance (DA) president Mathias is behind the attacks, have stirred unease within the party ranks. Some party insiders fear his stance could widen rifts or provoke political backlash
Speaking on behalf of the party, NUP Deputy Spokesperson Joan Nakintu said the case against Ssewanyana is “part of a continued campaign to intimidate and silence vocal opposition figures.”
“Hon. Ssewanyana has always stood with the people. These charges are not just an attack on him but on the democratic values we stand for. We call for a fair judicial process and an end to politically motivated prosecutions,” Nakintu stated during a press briefing.With the court formally reading the new charges and possible remand back to Luzira Prison looming, Ssewanyana’s political future hangs in the balance. His case, along with the tragic loss of fellow MP Ssegirinya, continues to raise concerns over the shrinking space for opposition politics in Uganda.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the country watches closely as another high-profile opposition politician battles serious charges in a politically charged environment.
