On Tuesday, Masaka Grade one magistrate, Christine Nantegge, turned down the bail pleas by MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) who have been in jail for a couple of months.
The two were arrested last year on charges of abetting terrorism, among other crimes.
They requested bail on Tuesday on account that they had already spent the required six months on remand, pending trial.
Resident State Attorney, Richard Birivumbuka, however, told court that investigations into their case are not yet complete and require more time. Birivumbuka asked for an adjournment.
The presiding magistrate said they first appeared in court on September 29, 2021, and it is therefore not six months yet.
“Court is aware of the accused person’s right to bail, but the court has no jurisdiction to grant bail before the expiration of this period and prosecution has informed court that investigations are being completed. The committal papers are likely to be ready on the next adjournment date, the matter is therefore adjourned to March 10, 2022 for further mention and update on the status of investigations,” she said.
Ssegirinya told court that he is the only signatory on his account and needs to pay fees. He also said he had health complications that needed proper medical attention, the same concern Ssewanyana.
Birivumbuka said he had raised the matter with prison authorities and the two were being taken care of well.
