The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application by the legal team of jailed legislators Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana to consolidate case files at Masaka High Court and the International Crimes Division (ICD).
The two embattled MPs appeared before the ICD this afternoon, and Justice Alice Komuhangi ruled that consolidation of criminal cases is alien to Ugandan laws.
Komuhangi said that the suspects can be fairly tried both at the Masaka High Court and in the International Crimes Division Court.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the lawyers representing the two MPs, led by Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, were denied access to engage 17 witnesses in the case where the duo is battling charges of attempted murder, murder, and terrorism.
In the ruling by the International Crimes Division of the High Court, the court noted the need for witness protection as requested by the prosecution.
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana are being accused of being masterminds behind the killings in greater Masaka that claimed the lives of at least 26 residents between February and August last year.
September 7, 2022, marked a year since the duo was arrested and detained before being sent on remand to Luzira prison.