Summary:
- Ssegirinya’s body was on Sunday laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kaddugala, Nyendo-Mukungwe, Masaka District, amidst a somber and emotional atmosphere.
MASAKA: The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, on Sunday eulogized the late Kawempe North Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, as a man small in stature but with a heart of immense generosity.
Speaking to mourners, Kyagulanyi praised Ssegirinya as a self-made individual who rose from humble beginnings to become a figure of admiration across Kampala, Buganda, Uganda, and beyond.
“Ssegirinya grew up in one of the poorest backgrounds, yet he became the talk of the nation. He did not have much formal education, but his knowledge and wisdom surpassed expectations,” Kyagulanyi said.
He highlighted Ssegirinya’s deep understanding of grassroots issues, saying, “He was not an economist, but he understood the struggles of the boda boda rider, the Mutembeyi, and the market woman. That is the knowledge that truly matters.”
Kyagulanyi described the late MP as a man who combined humor with seriousness, particularly when it came to matters concerning Uganda.
“He was a man who joked a lot yet remained deeply committed to the causes that mattered to our country,” he noted.
He further remarked on Ssegirinya’s humility, stating, “He came from Kaddugala village and died a national hero. Even as he ascended to fame and power, he remained the humble Ssegirinya we all knew.”
The NUP leader acknowledged Ssegirinya’s unpretentious nature, saying, “Unlike many politicians obsessed with titles, Ssegirinya didn’t care for such things. You could call him ‘Ssegi,’ and he would be fine with it. That’s the man we’re bidding farewell to today.”
Kyagulanyi revealed that Ssegirinya had requested him to speak at length during his funeral.
“He once joked that I should speak for five hours at his funeral. While I cannot fulfill that wish entirely, I hope my words reflect the deep trust and friendship we shared,” he said.
Reflecting on their relationship, Kyagulanyi recounted how he first got to know Ssegirinya years ago, initially as a passionate radio caller and later as a city councilor.
He shared how Ssegirinya supported his 2017 Kyadondo East parliamentary bid, even when his own party at the time, FDC, had fielded a candidate.
“It was during my campaign for Kyadondo East that we built a strong comradeship. We shared similar backgrounds—born in villages, later moving to city ghettos, and refusing to let our past define us. I understood him, and he understood me. Tubade twetegeela (we deeply understood each other),” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi praised Ssegirinya’s determination and connection with ordinary people.
“Even as he joked, I could see the dreams in his eyes and his commitment to making them a reality. He embodied the aspirations of the common people.”
He also recounted the tough decision to support Ssegirinya as NUP’s candidate for Kawempe North during the 2021 elections, despite resistance from some party members.
“In 2020, we conducted a ground survey, and Ssegirinya emerged as the overwhelming favorite with over 80% support. Some politicians questioned how we could choose him over seasoned candidates with more education, but we stood by the people’s choice. That is what People Power means,” Kyagulanyi emphasized.
Ssegirinya’s body was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kaddugala, Nyendo-Mukungwe, Masaka District, amidst a somber and emotional atmosphere.
