Trouble started after division councilors led by the Namere Parish Councilor Andy Simon Kaweesa tabled a motion demanding for the immediate release of Ssegirinya who is an ex-official of the council.
The Kawempe
Division council meeting on Wednesday was cut short after the councilors stormed
out protesting the continued detention of Kawempe North MP Mohammed Ssegirinya.
Trouble
started after division councilors led by the Namere Parish Councilor Andy Simon
Kaweesa tabled a motion demanding for the immediate release of Ssegirinya who
is an ex-official of the council.
Ssegirinya has been on remand since September 7 2021 when he was charged together with
Makindye East MP Allan Ssewanyana and seven others with a string of charges
including terrorism and murder in relation to the machete killings in Masaka
and Lwengo District that left more than 20 people dead and scores injured.
Kaweesa wanted the council to have a special session to demand the release
of Ssegirinya which Speaker Justus Akampurira rejected saying that the council
cannot discuss matters before the court.
//Cue in: “
Kawempe II B…
Cue out….as
this council of Kawempe”.//
However, councilors
who included Tomas Bagonza of Wandegeya, Ali Ssenkunda of Kanyanya, and Muhammed
Nsubuga of Makerere III stormed the Council hall holding three placards. They were later joined by
other councilors.
Counter-Terrorism police officers who were guarding Nyumbani
Hotel, the venue of the meeting stormed the hall to arrest the councilors. However, they were overpowered
forcing them to fire bullets in the air to disperse the rowdy councilors.
The Kawempe
Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjogi said that the councilors were executing
their constitutional right to show their dissatisfaction over the continued
incarceration of Ssegirinya.
//Cue in: “It’s
very unfortunate….
Cue out…. about
five months”. //
Akampurira said
that he was yet to guide the councilors on how to handle the situation but was
surprised by the actions of the police.
//Cue in:
“Rule of procedure nga…
Cue
out…..nga tusirisse nnyo”//
Sarah Nakitto, the councilor of Mbogo and Kakungulu Zone vowed not to attend
any council meeting until Ssegirinya is released.
Fred Kayongo Male
Freelancer