The High Court of Uganda has deferred its ruling on the terrorism charges against Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and four co-accused. The court is set to make its decision after reviewing disclosed evidence in the case, which stems from the 2021 Bijambiya machete killings that left more than 26 people dead across parts of Uganda. This development marks a continuation of the drawn-out legal process involving serious allegations of terrorism, murder, and aiding terrorism.
Key Parties Involved
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Allan Ssewanyana | MP (Makindye West) | Out on bail |
| Mike Sserwadda | Co-accused | Held on remand |
| Jackson Kanyike | Co-accused | Held on remand |
| Bulo Wamala | Co-accused | Held on remand |
| John Mugerwa | Co-accused | Held on remand |
| Muhammad Ssegirinya (Late) | Former MP, co-accused | Charges dropped (Deceased) |
Background and Charges
Between January and August 2021, a wave of brutal machete attacks, referred to locally as “Bijambiya,” ravaged parts of Kampala, Rakai, and Masaka districts. More than 26 people were killed in these violent incidents, which were allegedly motivated by political, social, or religious reasons. MP Allan Ssewanyana and his co-accused have been charged with:
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Terrorism
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15 counts of attempted murder
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Murder
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Aiding and abetting terrorism (including alleged financial support for terrorist acts)
The alleged victims include Mugerwa Kizza, Kakooza Sulaiman, and Kiyimba Tadeo. The prosecution claims MP Ssewanyana personally participated in or aided these attacks with intent to intimidate sections of the public.
Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2025 | Death of co-accused MP Muhammad Ssegirinya |
| May 11, 2025 | Court reads amended charges; Ssegirinya formally dropped |
| August 26, 2025 | Scheduled date for court ruling on charge confirmation |
The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court is presiding over the case. On May 11, 2025, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha read the amended charges in court but barred the accused from entering pleas pending the court’s review of prosecution evidence. This evidence includes photographs of victims, crime scene reports, and witness statements.
The court has granted both the prosecution and defense two months to submit written arguments before confirming whether there is a prima facie case to proceed to trial.
Perspectives and Significance
The case has not only legal but also notable political ramifications. Both the late Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana are opposition MPs affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). Their prosecution has drawn criticism and allegations of political motivation. Ssegirinya’s death in January 2025 shifted the focus entirely onto Ssewanyana, whose political future now hangs in balance as he awaits the court’s ruling.
Justice Komuhangi underscored the urgent need to expedite the process, citing the prolonged pre-trial phase, and stressed that justice should not be further delayed. The confirmation of charges will determine whether the case proceeds before a three-judge panel for trial.
Summary Table of Charges and Status
| Charge | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Terrorism | Engaging in acts intended to intimidate society | Pending confirmation |
| Attempted Murder (15 counts) | Attempts to kill specific individuals | Pending confirmation |
| Murder | Killing of multiple victims during attacks | Pending confirmation |
| Aiding and Abetting Terrorism | Providing material/financial support for terrorism | Pending confirmation |
This case continues to evoke strong public and political interest as the court prepares to issue its ruling in the coming days.