By Kabuye Ronald
The Kawempe North Member of Parliament, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, known for his vibrant presence as ‘Mr. Update,’ has tragically passed away at the age of 37. Ssegirinya, a member of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), breathed his last on Thursday, 9th January 2025, at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala at around 12:10 pm.
Lubaga Hospital released an official statement confirming his death, expressing deep sorrow. “With deep sorrow, Lubaga Hospital announces the passing of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Honorable Member of Parliament for Kawempe North,” the statement read. It went on to say, “Despite all efforts to ensure his recovery, he passed away today, Thursday, 9th January 2025, at 12:10 pm.”
The hospital also extended its condolences to the Parliament of Uganda, Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Members of Parliament, his family, and the people of Kawempe North, where he had served with passion and commitment. “We join the nation in mourning a dedicated servant of the people. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.
Hours before his passing, conflicting reports had emerged about the MP’s condition. Acting Executive Director of Lubaga Hospital, Dr. Grace Nanyondo, had earlier clarified that Ssegirinya was critically ill but not yet deceased, stating, “Hon. Ssegirinya is critically sick, he needs our love and prayers though we cannot declare him dead.”
This came after National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, had announced that doctors had declared Ssegirinya “brain dead” with a pulse still faintly present. Kyagulanyi described the situation as delicate and urged for prayers for the MP’s recovery.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed Kyagulanyi’s statements, emphasizing that Ssegirinya was still clinging to life, with all internal organs having shut down, yet a small pulse remained. “The doctors said he’s brain dead. They said all his internal organs have shut down. But there’s that small pulse. The doctors said they cannot pronounce him dead because it’s ethically wrong,” Ssenyonyi told journalists.
Ssegirinya, who had been elected to Parliament in the 2021 general election, had a history of health challenges dating back to his time in Kigo prison. He and fellow MP Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) were arrested and jailed for over a year on alleged trumped-up charges related to deadly attacks in the Masaka Sub-region that resulted in the deaths of over 20 people. Following their release on bail in February 2023, Ssegirinya’s health continued to deteriorate, prompting numerous treatments in Uganda, Kenya, and the Netherlands.
Hon. Ssegirinya’s passing marks a somber moment for the country, especially his constituents in Kawempe North, who have lost a passionate and committed representative.
