MPs blocked as colleagues Ssewanyana, Ssegirinya appear at police

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The situation is tense in Masaka town as Members of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya appear to record statements in relation to the recent Masaka killings.

The two opposition MPs representing Makindye West and Kawempe North constituencies respectively were summoned to record statements at the Masaka Central Police Station concerning mysterious machete attacks that have happened in the area in the recent past.

Although the MPs were expected to report at the Criminal Investigations Department-CID office at 10:00am, the situation become tense as early as 8.00am when security operatives mounted roadblocks on the main roads through Masaka town.

For hours now, the road which passes adjacent to Masaka Central Police station has been closed from other motorists who are now using alternative shortcuts.

Apparently, the town is under heightened security deployment of both armed anti riot and plain clothed officers.

Police have also had to block other Members of Parliament who had arrived ahead of their colleagues who were summoned.

Those that were turned away included Shamim Malende-Kampala Woman MP, Joseph Ssewungu for Kalungu West, and Francis Katabaazi for Kalungu East. According to Malende, they had come to stand in solidarity with their colleagues as they appeared to police as required.

“I had also come as a lawyer, but these officers tell us they have orders not allow us in,” she noted shortly after police forced her away from the main entrance of Masaka Central Police station.

Muhammad Nsubuga, the greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesman says they obtained intelligence that the crowds would converge as soon the summoned MPs arrived in Masaka.

“We didn’t want to take any risks. So we had to be on the alert to prevent any eventualities, we don’t want any chaos,” he said.

At half past midday, the two MPs Ssewanyana and Ssegirinya arrived at police in company of their lawyers who include Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago.

They were ushered into the police station where they are being questioned.

*****

URN