Summary:
- Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi criticized the Government for abandoning the deceased’s body and failing to lead the session.
KAMPALA: Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has expressed disappointment over the low turnout of Members of Parliament (MPs) during the special sitting convened to pay tribute to the late Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
She urged MPs to refrain from politicizing Ssegirinya’s death and instead come together to honor their colleague.
The Speaker’s concerns were particularly directed at the conspicuously empty front bench, traditionally occupied by Cabinet Ministers and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs.
“When such an unfortunate event happens, we all ought to be here to give a decent send-off to our colleague. There are no politics in these things. We should never bring politics into moments of loss because today it is me; tomorrow it is someone else. We are all mortal beings, destined to face death. I urge all of you to love, support, and appreciate one another despite our imperfections and differences. That is what we will be remembered for,” Speaker Among said.
Breaking from tradition, where the Prime Minister or a Cabinet member typically leads Government’s tribute during such sessions, the Government side failed to lead the motion.
Instead, Speaker Among called on Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County) to deliver the tribute. Katuntu described Ssegirinya as an industrious and passionate leader who rose from humble beginnings to become a dedicated legislator.
“Ssegirinya was deeply committed to community mobilization, journalism, and food security, particularly in Kawempe North. He was a staunch advocate for health services, exemplified by his efforts to establish the Kawempe North Hospital, which provided free healthcare services to his constituents,” said Katuntu.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi criticized the Government for abandoning the deceased’s body and failing to lead the session. He highlighted the customary practice where the Prime Minister moves the motion and the Leader of the Opposition seconds it, lamenting the deviation.
“It is disappointing that there was no one from the front bench to move the motion. Yesterday, I reached out, prepared to second it, only to find that no one was present this morning. This was bothersome,” Ssenyonyi remarked.
Ssenyonyi also reflected on Ssegirinya’s journey, noting his passion for education and activism despite his humble beginnings. He criticized the Government’s handling of Ssegirinya’s imprisonment and health, citing prolonged denial of bail despite worsening health conditions.
“Even after Government doctors recommended specialized treatment, Ssegirinya was sent back to prison, where his condition deteriorated. When he was finally granted bail, he was abducted by gunmen, a blatant violation of our laws. Such disregard for justice must end,” Ssenyonyi added.
Laroo-Pece Division MP Charles Onen decried the state of the nation, describing it as “bleeding” from political and social wounds. He called on leaders to “sanitize politics” and foster unity.
Speaker Among praised Ssegirinya’s dedication to his constituents, highlighting his contributions, including the purchase of a CT scan machine and ambulances to improve healthcare in Kawempe North.
“Despite his short tenure, Ssegirinya served his people with dedication and passion. His generosity and advocacy for better living conditions will forever be remembered,” she said.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama apologized on behalf of the Government, attributing the absence to miscommunication about the session’s timing.
“I was informed late about leading the Government side. I apologize for the miscommunication. This was not intentional,” Nakadama stated.
Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balam Barugahara also apologized for any mismanagement of Ssegirinya’s affairs, pledging that the Government would improve in the future.
However, Speaker Among dismissed the miscommunication claim.
“The Order Paper was clear, and yesterday, I adjourned Parliament to 9:00 AM. I find it hard to believe there was any miscommunication,” she asserted.
