His death adds to the growing list of Ugandan government critics, including religious leaders, politicians, and human rights activists who have either mysteriously died, suffered prolonged and strange illnesses often suspected to result from poisoning, or been abducted. Hundreds remain in detention while others were abducted and their whereabouts still unknown.
By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Kawempe North member of parliament, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya also known as Mr. Updates has has passed away.
The legislator passed away from Rubaga hospital this morning, according to the family.
Ssegirinya, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been battling strange illnesses from the time he was released from Prison on alleged charges of murder, terrorism and attempted murder together with the Makindye West MP, Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, emanating from the 2021 spate of killings in Masaka , popularly known as Bijambia attacks.
The Leader of opposition, Hon. Joel B. Ssenyonyi (NUP) also confirmed the death of Ssegirinya. According to Ssenyonyi, the legislator has been unhealthy and he recently developed a strange disease with infections and he was rushed to Rubaga Hospital. He said no person was allowed to access him due to his unhealthy conditions.
Ssenyonyi said that early this morning, Ssegirinya’s mother called and confirmed to him that his son has passed away.
The president of NUP, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine also mourned his legislator and party member.
“Very sad news this morning. Our brother, our friend, our fellow leader Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya has passed on. Such a dark morning. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un!” Bobi Wine eulogized.
NUP Secretary General, Lawyer David Lewis Rubongoya described Ssegiryas a brother and a friend; “Rest well, my brother, my friend Mr. Update Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya!”
Ssegirinya will be remembered for improving livelihoods in Kawempe North including establishing a medical free hospital, paying school fees for vulnerable and orphaned families and supporting the elderly and the poor in the constituency. The Mityana municipality legislator, Francis Zaake Butebi says Ssegirinya touched many lives and his legacy won’t be forgotten.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear about the passing of hon ssegirinya. Rest in peace. his legacy will never be forgotten. He has touched the lives of many, and his work will continue to inspire future generations. We will always remember his dedication and passion for serving the people,” he said.
Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana who was arrested, detained and together charged with Ssegirinya said the death of his friend is traumatic and expressed worries about his own health.
Ssegirinya, a government critic began his political career as a Councilor for Kawempe North in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) between 2016 and 2021 before contesting as MP, a position he tremendously won in 2021 elections.
His health however deteriorated while still in a hospital and he was rushed to different hospitals including Germany, Amsterdam University Medical Centre in Netherlands and Agha Khan hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
His death adds to the growing list of Ugandan government critics, including religious leaders, politicians, and human rights activists who have either mysteriously died, suffered prolonged and strange illnesses often suspected to result from poisoning, or been abducted. Hundreds remain in detention while others were abducted and their whereabouts still unknown.
