Parliament came to a standstill as MPs paid heartfelt tributes to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, former Kawempe North MP, who passed away at 37.
Speaker Anita Among led the session, describing Ssegirinya as a “friendly and loving servant leader” whose dedication and generosity earned him the admiration of his constituents and colleagues alike.
“Despite his short tenure in the 11th Parliament, Ssegirinya left an indelible mark through his advocacy for better living conditions and access to healthcare,” Among remarked.
She highlighted his donation of a CT scan machine and ambulances to Kawempe, calling him a servant leader who cared deeply about his community.
Resilience and Advocacy
MPs painted a picture of Ssegirinya as a man of resilience and determination. Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West) recalled his humble beginnings, noting that Ssegirinya overcame challenges to become a vocal advocate for ordinary Ugandans.
“Ssegirinya’s journey from grassroots activism to Parliament showcases his resilience and connection with the people,” Ssenyonyi said.
He emphasised Ssegirinya’s passion for education, sharing that the late MP was still pursuing studies to better serve his constituents.
Ssenyonyi also criticised the judicial system, recounting how Ssegirinya’s requests for bail during his illness were repeatedly denied despite medical recommendations. “This disregard for human rights is shameful. Many Ugandans have faced similar abductions and injustices. We must condemn these acts,” he urged.
Emotional Recollections
Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), who shared a prison cell with Ssegirinya, offered a poignant tribute, describing him as a misunderstood man.
“People thought he was comedic, but he was deeply intelligent and genuine. He loved his people and believed in change,” Ssewanyana said.
He lamented the denial of medical attention to Ssegirinya, suggesting that earlier intervention could have saved his life.
“This man had dreams for his children and community. His death is a stark reminder of the consequences of political repression,” he added.
Calls for Justice and Unity
Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) called for the withdrawal of charges against Ssegirinya’s co-accused, including MP Ssewanyana, as a gesture of justice.
“The best way to honour Ssegirinya’s memory is to end politically motivated prosecutions and respect the rule of law,” Basalirwa stated.
Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County) recounted Ssegirinya’s rise within the National Unity Platform (NUP), crediting the party’s decision to prioritise grassroots representation.
“Ssegirinya embodied the aspirations of the downtrodden. We must continue to mentor leaders like him to transform Uganda,” Kivumbi said.
He accused the government of intimidating the judiciary, leading to delays in granting Ssegirinya bail.
“Uganda must reject these authoritarian tendencies. We cannot let our constitutional freedoms be eroded,” he declared.
Somber Reflection
Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central) reminded Parliament of the inevitability of death, urging unity and compassion.
“Ssegirinya’s life was a testament to resilience and service. Let us honour him by building a more just society,” Nsereko concluded.
As the tributes poured in, the chamber reverberated with a collective call for justice, unity, and a renewed commitment to the ideals Ssegirinya
The session ended with MPs reflecting on Uganda’s political climate. Charles Onen (Laroo-Pece Division) likened the nation’s struggles to open wounds.
“Uganda is bleeding. We must find the right detergent to sanitise our politics and heal our country,” he said.
stood for.
