Uganda Mourns the Passing of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya
Ssegirinya, popularly known as "Mr. Update," passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 36. His death marks the end of a vibrant political journey that saw him rise from a grassroots leader to a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition politics.
By John Kusolo
Uganda has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Kawempe North constituency in Kampala City. Ssegirinya, popularly known as "Mr. Update," passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 36. His death marks the end of a vibrant political journey that saw him rise from a grassroots leader to a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition politics.
Born in 1988 in Masaka, Uganda, Muhammad Ssegirinya’s journey to public service was marked by resilience and determination. He pursued a Diploma in Journalism at Datamine Technical Business School and later earned a Master’s in the Science of Service Delivery from Musa Body University. His educational background, though unconventional, played a key role in shaping his unique political persona.
Ssegirinya first gained prominence through his engaging participation in Kampala-based radio talk shows, where he identified himself as “Ssegirinya eddoboozi lye Kyebando” (Ssegirinya, the voice of Kyebando). His charisma and ability to connect with ordinary citizens made him a household name.
In 2016, Ssegirinya was elected as the Lord Councillor for Kawempe North in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party. His tenure as councillor laid the groundwork for his successful bid for Parliament in 2021, where he triumphed over nine competitors, including incumbent Abdulatif Ssebagala Ssengendo and former Deputy Lord Mayor Sulaiman Kidandala.
Ssegirinya’s political career was not without challenges. On September 3, 2021, he was summoned by the Uganda Police Force over allegations of involvement in rebel activities in the Greater Masaka region. Days later, on September 7, 2021, he was remanded to Kitalya Maximum Security Prison on charges including three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
The charges, widely viewed as politically motivated, drew national and international condemnation. Critics argued that the arrests of Ssegirinya and his colleague, Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, were part of a broader strategy to silence popular opposition figures. Despite being held for nearly two years without substantial evidence, Ssegirinya remained resolute, earning widespread admiration for his courage.
On February 13, 2023, Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana were released on bail. However, his time in detention left him with severe health complications. He sought treatment in Kenya, Uganda, and later in the Netherlands, where he was admitted to the AMC Hospital in Amsterdam for torture-related injuries.
Following his release, Ssegirinya’s health challenges significantly affected his ability to fulfill parliamentary duties. Despite his limited participation in parliamentary proceedings, his commitment to his constituents remained unwavering. In August 2024, he announced his intention to seek re-election in 2026, a move that underscored his determination to continue serving Kawempe North.
Ssegirinya’s untimely death has left a void in Uganda’s political landscape. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many hailing him as a fearless advocate for the underprivileged. His legacy as a champion of justice, accountability, and grassroots empowerment will undoubtedly endure.
The Electoral Commission of Uganda now faces the task of organizing a by-election to fill the vacant Kawempe North seat. As per Ugandan electoral laws, the by-election must be conducted within 90 days. The incoming MP will serve for a brief period, as the next general elections are scheduled for 2026 according to the Electoral Commission Roadmap.
Muhammad Ssegirinya’s journey from a radio talk show enthusiast to a parliamentarian symbolizes the power of grassroots movements in shaping Uganda’s political landscape. His life, marked by resilience, service, and advocacy, serves as an inspiration to many. As Uganda prepares to bid him farewell, his contributions to the nation’s democracy and the people of Kawempe North will remain etched in history.
