The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah has said that Parliament will not intervene in the legal battles facing Kawempe North MP, Mohammed Ssegirinya and Makindye West, Allan Ssewanyana.
He warned MPs against indulging in criminal activities, saying that being a Member of Parliament doesn’t permit them to abuse the law or engage in any acts which abuse the law or the rights of people.
“The process of privileges has a limitation, it isn’t an open cheque that once you become MP you can engage in any acts, there are limitations to those privileges. The privileges that I understand are those that protect free speech that take place in the chambers,” Oulanyah said.
He added: “If you should go and do things that are contrary to the law from some other place, you could be taken from there. If court processes have started and are taking place, we can’t interfere.”
The Speaker’s remarks were in response to a question posed by Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality) who questioned why the Speaker in his communication at yesterday’s plenary sitting had no update on the plight of the two MPs.
It should be recalled that the duo was sent on remand to Kitalya Prison after accusations from Police that they masterminded the killing of some of the 26 victims in greater Masaka region, murders committed by panga wielding individuals
Ibrahim Ssemujju told parliament that arresting MPs on allegations touches the privileges of MPs and so Parliament should take up steps to offer help to the two MPs so that they can overcome the challenges they are going through now.
Speaker Jacob Oulanyah informed the House that the warrants were first given to the deputy speaker and he called all the two MPs and she met with them and even she asked them to make their choices of the lawyers they went with in Masaka.
Oulanyah also noted that by now parliament can’t engage in their situation since there are court processes going on but he promised to visit them and have a talk with them.
Oulanyah has also informed the House that if they are found innocent by Court, they will be released but he advised the MPs to leave the court to do its work of gathering the evidence.
