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MPs Mourn Ssegirinya: ‘He Beat All Odds to Rise to the Top’

A sombre mood engulfed Uganda’s Parliament on Friday morning as Members of Parliament paid tribute to Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Kawempe North legislator who passed away at Rubaga Hospital yesterday.

The session was marked by heartfelt eulogies, sharp criticism of ministerial absenteeism, and calls for reflection on Uganda’s political landscape.

Hon. Abdu Katuntu lauded Ssegirinya’s ability to overcome significant obstacles, describing him as an inspiration.

“Maybe not many of us would have that sort of air time [as seen in the media coverage of his passing]. Why? Because of the significance of his contribution to the political process of this country,” he added.

“In this country, everything is possible. You can dream big and achieve big. And indeed, the Honorable Ssegirinya did exactly that,” Katuntu said.

“He beat all odds—humble beginnings, less education, not all that money. But somehow, he rose to the top.”

Hon. Allan Ssewanyana delivered a moving tribute, saying, “Hon. Ssegirinya has gone to God as an unsatisfied man. It was not his time to go, but he died because of politics. Rest in peace, fight harder Hon. Ssegirinya.”

Adding to the tributes, Kampala Central MP Hon. Muhammad Nsereko pointed to delays in granting bail as a contributing factor in Ssegirinya’s death.

“If Hon. Ssegirinya was granted bail in good time, he perhaps would have obtained quicker medical care to save his life,” Nsereko remarked.

Hon. Charles Onen used the moment to call for healing and reform.

“The death of Hon. Ssegirinya should provide a moment of introspection, forgiveness, and sanitizing politics,” he said.

Cabinet’s absence 

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, seconded the motion and opened the tributes by criticizing the absence of the front bench.

“Hon. Ssegirinya was a resilient go-getter, a man who fought hard for the people he represented,” said Ssenyonyi, adding, “As we mourn him, let us also commit to respecting the rule of law. He was denied bail when he urgently needed medical attention.”

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa expressed similar concerns over the absence of the cabinet.

“Motions of this nature are either moved by the Prime Minister and usually seconded by the Leader of the Opposition or vice versa. I am now seeing the Prime Minister is not here and the Leader of the Opposition is here. In fact, the entire front bench, Madam Speaker. Is this a message by the government being sent that they are disinterested in the death of the honorable Ssegirinya? The entire cabinet being absent? Is it a demonstration that they are disinterested in the death, burial, and perhaps sickness and everything connected with Honorable Ssegirinya? This house should take very strong exception to the absence of the cabinet,” Basalirwa said.

Responding to the concerns, Speaker Anita Among urged members to focus on mourning Hon. Ssegirinya’s life and legacy.

“What I can request of you is to let us mourn our brother in peace. I cannot be able to account for the front bench and whoever is not here. Personally, I was here by 7:00 AM. I have been here. That shows you that, for me, I take the institution very seriously. I take my members very seriously,” she said.

The absence of ministers was later addressed by Third Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Rukia Nakadama, who apologized on behalf of the government.

“I regret the absence of my colleagues and offer my heartfelt apologies. I am unwell and was delegated late. May Hon. Ssegirinya’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.