The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has said that the health of Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya, is in terrible state.
Mpuuga made the remarks following a visit to Kigo prison to check on them as they battle murder charges that have led to their lengthy stay in the prison.
“Three days ago, Hon Ssegirinya fell unconscious while in the bathroom and was rushed to the prison’s clinic. Painkillers and antibiotics are all that the facility could give him. His stomach is abnormally swollen, the fingers on his right hand are paralyzed black spots cover most of his body,” Mpuuga said shortly after meeting these prisoners.
Mpuuga said these MPs have a right to health hence demanding that the state allows them to access specialised medical care.
“It defeats logic that someone would want to deny them the right to get treatment from a well-equipped facility. The two MPs are visibly ill, weak, and in need of urgent medical attention,” he said.
According to the prison authorities, Ssewanyana’s blood pressure has remained high at 180/140 and he is anaemic, confessing that they lack the capacity to handle the two MPs medical condition.
The two MPs reportedly shed tears as they came into the room where Mpuuga was with Shadow Ministers, Joyce Bagala and Hillary Kiyaga plus Busiro South MP Charles Matovu.
Last month, Masaka Grade One Magistrate Court committed the two jailed legislators to High Court for trial in a case where they are accused of murder, aiding and abetting terrorism.
The two MPs, who have been on remand since September 20, 2021 were first accused of four counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Two more counts of aiding and abetting terrorism were later added.
They were later granted bail, but re-arrested as they left the prison premises, and slapped with fresh charges.
Their case has since been adjourned several times either due to the absence of the prosecutor or on the State’s request for more time.
In their requests for adjournment, the State has on several occasions argued that the evidence collected by police thus far is not sufficient for the MPs to be committed to the High Court for trial.