Kampala, Uganda — The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, has issued an apology on behalf of the government and over 80 Cabinet Ministers for their absence during the special parliamentary session to pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, Kawempe North MP.
She attributed the mishap to miscommunication regarding the timing of the session.
“I was called this morning at around 8:00 AM and told that we are supposed to move the motion at 10:00 AM. Because I was sick, I started preparing myself. When it was approaching 9:00 AM, somebody called me again and said it is 9:00 AM. So, there was miscommunication on time,” Nakadama explained. “I apologise on behalf of the government that it wasn’t intentional.”
However, Speaker Anita Among dismissed the excuse of miscommunication, emphasising that Parliament’s schedule was clear and communicated in advance.
“I don’t want to believe in miscommunication because I would take responsibility. The Order Paper is very clear, and when I adjourned Parliament yesterday, I said we are adjourning to 9:00 AM,” she said.
Minister Barugahara’s Emotional Apology
The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, also apologised for the government’s mismanagement of Ssegirinya’s affairs during his lifetime and promised a more considerate approach in the future.
“As someone who supports and believes in everyone’s equality, I apologise for all the mismanagement that could have happened during his life. We should allow criticism where need be. Ssegirinya was my friend, and I will remember him for his tireless advocacy for the marginalized, especially his people in Kyebando,” Barugahara said.
He praised Ssegirinya’s dedication to justice, equality, and freedom, as well as his contributions to improving welfare in his constituency.
Government’s Absence Sparks Criticism
The special sitting, held on Friday, saw a notably empty front bench usually occupied by Cabinet Ministers. Speaker Among expressed concern over the low attendance, urging MPs to set aside politics and mourn their colleague together.
In an unusual move, Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County) was called upon to read the government’s tribute, typically led by the Prime Minister or her deputies.
Katuntu highlighted Ssegirinya’s achievements, including his commitment to health care through the construction of Kawempe North Hospital and his advocacy for food security.
“Ssegirinya lived an industrious life. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, he rose from humble beginnings to become a Member of Parliament,” Katuntu noted.
Leader of Opposition Disappointed
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, criticised the government’s absence during the session, calling it shameful and disrespectful.
“Yesterday, I reached out intending to move this motion, given that Ssegirinya was one of us. The practice is normally that the Prime Minister moves the motion, and the Leader of Opposition seconds it. This morning, there was no one to move the motion, which is very disappointing,” Ssenyonyi said.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Muhammad Ssegirinya, remembered for his bold criticism of social injustices and his dedication to his constituency, passed away at Lubaga Hospital.
The special sitting highlighted his contributions to journalism, community mobilisation, and public service, leaving a legacy as an advocate for justice and equality.
While the government’s apology has been noted, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about relations within Uganda’s political framework.