Summary:
- Hon. Ssegirinya was pronounced dead on Thursday at 12:10 p.m. by Lubaga Hospital, where he had been receiving care.
KAMPALA: The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anitah Annet Among, has announced a special sitting on Friday at 09 a.m. to pay tribute to the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North.
Hon. Ssegirinya was pronounced dead on Thursday at 12:10 p.m. by Lubaga Hospital, where he had been receiving care. Following the tragic news, Speaker Among led the House in observing a moment of silence in his honor.
“I now have the official statement from the hospital, so it is confirmed. We have lost one of our own. As Parliament, we shall communicate the next steps,” said Speaker Among.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, also expressed his sorrow in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “A short while ago, Lubaga Hospital confirmed that Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya has passed on,” he wrote.
He added, “It’s a very sad situation indeed, especially because earlier in the morning, we had been given a little bit of hope, and we prayed a miracle could happen.”
A Life of Humility and Service
Born in 1988 in Masaka District, Muhammad Ssegirinya grew up in a humble background. He frequently spoke about his struggles during childhood, noting that poverty inspired his determination to fight for the marginalized. Raised Catholic, Ssegirinya later converted to Islam and adopted the name Muhammad.
His political journey began in 2016 when he was elected as a councillor for Kawempe North in the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), a role he held until 2021.
In the 2021 general elections, Ssegirinya successfully contested the Kawempe North parliamentary seat under the National Unity Platform (NUP) banner, defeating nine opponents. His victory faced legal challenges but was eventually upheld in court.
As an MP, Ssegirinya gained prominence for his vocal criticism of government policies and his advocacy for accountability and justice. However, his career was marked by challenges, including multiple arrests and accusations of involvement in rebel activities—charges widely regarded as politically motivated.
In September 2021, Ssegirinya and fellow MP Allan Ssewanyana were arrested on allegations of murder and terrorism. Human rights organizations and opposition leaders condemned the charges as baseless. After spending months in detention, Ssegirinya was released on bail in February 2023.
Health Struggles and Resilience
Following his release, Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated significantly. He sought treatment in the Netherlands for injuries allegedly sustained during his incarceration. Despite his health struggles, he remained steadfast in his commitment to public service.
In August 2024, he announced his intention to seek reelection in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
Ssegirinya’s death leaves a profound void in Uganda’s political landscape. Known for his humility, compassion, and tireless pursuit of justice, he was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged. His passing is a loss not only to his constituents in Kawempe North but also to the entire nation.
Parliament’s special sitting on Friday will serve as an opportunity for lawmakers to honor his memory and reflect on his contributions to Uganda’s democracy.
