Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Kawempe North Member of Parliament, has finally been declared dead by administration of Rubaga hospital where he has been receiving treatment the past couple of days.
Ssegirinya’s death marks the end of a turbulent journey, both as a legislator and a social advocate. Known affectionately as “Mr. Updates” for his constant engagement with the public, Ssegirinya was a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a significant figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
Born in the Kawempe division of Kampala, Ssegirinya started his career as a taxi driver and later became a well-known local council leader. His empathy for the struggles of ordinary Ugandans earned him respect and propelled him into the political arena. With no extensive formal education, he demonstrated that perseverance and dedication to public service could break barriers.
Ssegirinya was elected Kawempe North MP in 2021, running on the NUP ticket, which championed change and accountability under Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine). He quickly became a vocal advocate for the marginalized, focusing on healthcare, unemployment, and housing issues in his constituency.
Nicknamed the "Voice of Kawempe" due to his initiatives like distributing food and mattresses during crises, Ssegirinya’s grassroots approach endeared him to the people. He often used his social media platforms to highlight social injustices, a move that made him popular but also drew criticism from his political opponents.
Ssegirinya's tenure was fraught with legal troubles. Alongside his colleague Allan Ssewanyana, he was arrested in September 2021 and charged with murder, terrorism, and incitement to violence in connection with machete killings in Masaka District. The charges were widely seen as politically motivated, with human rights organizations decrying his prolonged detention.
While in prison, Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated, prompting multiple calls for his release. After nearly 16 months, he was granted bail in early 2023, but his physical condition had visibly worsened.
In search of better medical care, Ssegirinya traveled to the Netherlands in mid-2023. There, he received treatment at Amsterdam University Medical Centers for conditions exacerbated by his imprisonment. Despite showing signs of recovery, his health took a turn for the worse upon his return to Uganda on September 19, 2023.
Muhammad Ssegirinya's story is one of resilience and compassion. He was a man who transcended his personal challenges to fight for others, often at great personal cost. His untimely death leaves a gap in Kawempe North and raises questions about the state of healthcare and justice for political figures in Uganda.
Ssegirinya’s enduring legacy will be his relentless advocacy for the underprivileged, his grassroots connection with his constituents, and his unyielding belief in the power of service to bring about change.
