Mao promises Ssegirinya's mother fair trial for legislator

The meeting was graced by Human Rights Commission Chairperson and took place at Mao's office at the ministry. According to Mao, who revealed the details of the encounter, he reassured the distraught mother that Ssegirinya would get his trial.

Prior to the meeting, on Monday, August 8, 2022, Nakajumba and Ssegirinya's wife, Twahirah Akandinda, had attempted to ambush Mao at his office but she was impeded at the entrance. At the time, Mao was attending a cabinet meeting in Entebbe.

“Today (August 9, 2022) I met Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya’s mother at my office at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. We were joined by the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Wangadya, who was visiting. I assured her that the right to a fair trial is paramount!” Mao said after the meeting.

However, he revealed that his taking on the role of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister has put him directly under pressure to solve social and legal cases, the occurrence of which he never took part in. He noted that under the circumstances, the best he can promise the legislator is a fair hearing.

“By accepting the responsibility as the minister has put me in a position to take responsibility over the consequences of decisions I was not part of. I have to face the mother Muhamad Ssegirinya because she wants justice for her son. I can only promise her a fair trial,” Mao said.

It has been a year and a half since Ssegirinya was arrested together with his colleague Allan Ssewanyana, Makindye East legislator. The two are accused of supporting crime by aiding panga-wielding thugs who murdered several residents of Masaka last year.