Kawempe North MP Ssegirinya is Dead

Summary:

• Ssegirinya, widely recognized for his activism and candid nature, rose to prominence as a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice.

---

KAMPALA: The Kawempe North Member of Parliament, Honorable Muhammad Ssegirinya, has been pronounced dead. He passed away this morning at Rubaga Hospital, as confirmed by sources close to his family.

Ssegirinya had recently returned to Uganda from Aga Khan Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for health complications.

“It is sad, we lost him,” said a family member at Rubaga Hospital.

Ssegirinya, widely recognized for his activism and candid nature, rose to prominence as a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice. Affectionately known as “Mr. Update” due to his active presence on social media, he captured the hearts of many Ugandans with his tireless dedication to serving the underprivileged.

Born in 1988 in Masaka District, Ssegirinya grew up in a humble background. He often spoke about his childhood struggles and how poverty fueled his determination to fight for the marginalized. Initially raised as a Catholic, he later converted to Islam, adopting 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 position he held until 2021.

In the 2021 general elections, Ssegirinya contested and won the Kawempe North parliamentary seat under the National Unity Platform (NUP) banner, defeating nine opponents. His victory faced legal challenges but was ultimately upheld in court.

During his tenure, Ssegirinya became known as an outspoken critic of government policies and a staunch advocate for accountability and justice. However, his political career was fraught with challenges, including multiple arrests and allegations of involvement in rebel activities—charges widely dismissed as politically motivated.

In September 2021, Ssegirinya was arrested alongside fellow MP Allan Ssewanyana. The two faced allegations of murder and terrorism, accusations decried by human rights organizations and opposition leaders as baseless. After months in detention, Ssegirinya was released on bail in February 2023.

His health significantly deteriorated following his release. He sought treatment in the Netherlands for injuries allegedly sustained during his incarceration. Despite his health challenges, Ssegirinya remained committed to public service. In August 2024, he announced his intention to contest in the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Ssegirinya’s death leaves a significant void in Uganda’s political landscape. Known for his humility, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice, he leaves behind a legacy of courage and service.

Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine and the President of the National Unity Platform, expressed his condolences and sorrow at the loss of his colleague.

“Very sad news this morning. Our brother, our friend, our fellow leader, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, has passed on. Such a dark morning,” he wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday morning.