The International Crimes Division of the High Court has postponed its ruling on Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and four others accused in the Masaka "Bijambia" killings, placing the decision on notice.
The ruling, expected before presiding Judge Alice Komuhangi, was declared not ready. Court officials informed the accused and their lawyers that a new date would be communicated.
Court Magistrate Milscent Kemigisha explained that the defense had not yet filed its final submissions.
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"Honourable Ssewanyana has not filed his final submissions. Court has now given his lawyer, Counsel Katumba Chrisestom, up to September 2 to do so. The judge will only make her ruling once all submissions are on record," Kemigisha told the courtroom.
MP Ssewanyana and his co-accused--Mike Sserwadda, Bulo Wamala, John Mugera, and Jackson Kanyike--face charges of terrorism and four alternative counts, including murder and attempted murder.
The alleged crimes occurred between January and August 2021 in Kampala, Rakai, and Masaka districts.
Ssewanyana also faces an additional charge of aiding and abetting terrorism, with prosecutors alleging that he financed and supported his co-accused, fully aware the assistance would facilitate acts of terror.
The charges relate to a series of brutal machete attacks in Masaka, including the murders of Mugerwa Kizza Francis (alias Nswa), Kakooza Sulaiman, and Kiyimba Tadeo, as well as the attempted murder of Ronald Ssebyoto in Ssetaala Village on 23rd August 2021.
Defense lawyer Katumba Chrisestom said they are ready to comply with the court's directive.
"We shall file the submissions within the time given. Our position remains that the evidence presented by the State is insufficient to pin our clients," he said outside court.
If the prosecution's evidence is found lacking, Ssewanyana and his co-accused could walk free. Otherwise, they will face a full trial before the International Crimes Division.
