A statement from Lubaga Hospital confirmed the passing of MP Ssegirinya Muhammad on Thursday at 12:10 PM. The hospital expressed its efforts to ensure his recovery, which sadly proved futile.
A Prolonged Health Struggle
Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated following his release from prison, where he had been held alongside his Makindye West counterpart, Allan Ssewanyana. Over the past year, he received treatment in various hospitals across Uganda, Kenya, and the Netherlands. Before his return to Lubaga Hospital last week, he had spent over three months at Nsambya Hospital, was flown to Nairobi for advanced care, and later transferred to the Netherlands.
His lawyer, Mr. Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, disclosed that Ssegirinya’s condition worsened post-bail and showed no signs of improvement. Plans were underway to request the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to drop the charges against him due to his failing health, pending a final medical report from Lubaga Hospital.
A History of Legal Troubles
Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana were arrested in September 2021, accused of involvement in machete killings that claimed over 20 lives in the Greater Masaka region. Despite being granted bail on September 21, 2021, they were immediately rearrested and faced additional murder charges related to killings in Lwengo District.
The two MPs spent 18 months in remand before being granted bail in 2023. Unfortunately, Ssegirinya’s health remained unstable, confining him to hospitals until his untimely death.
Final Journey and Burial Arrangements
Ssegirinya’s funeral plans are as follows:
January 9, 2025:
- His body was taken for a vigil at the National Unity Platform (NUP) offices.
Today, January 10, 2025:
- 9:00 AM: The body will be taken to Parliament for tribute.
- Afternoon: Prayers will be held at Mbogo Mosque.
- The body will then be transported to his home in Kasangati, Wakiso District, where it will stay overnight.
Tomorrow, January 11, 2025:
- The body will be taken to his ancestral home in Masaka for a vigil.
Sunday, January 12, 2025:
- Ssegirinya will be laid to rest in Butale Cell, Matanga Ward, Nyendo–Mukungwe Municipality, Masaka City.
As Uganda mourns the loss of MP Ssegirinya Muhammad, his journey from public service to legal battles and prolonged health struggles underscores the challenges he faced both in and out of the political arena.
