Muhammad Ssegirinya, a renowned Ugandan politician, and the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North in Kampala under the National Unity Platform (NUP), passed away this morning, January 9, 2025, at Rubaga Hospital.
Fondly referred to as “Mr. Update,” Ssegirinya leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to the people of Kawempe North.
Here is a timeline of his life and career:
Early Life
1988: Born as Richard Ssegirinya in Butale, Kadugala, Masaka District, Uganda. He later converted from Roman Catholicism to Islam, adopting the name Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Political Career Beginnings
2011: Made his first attempt to contest for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat but was unsuccessful.
2016: Participated in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) primaries for Kawempe North but failed to secure the party nomination. Later that year, he was elected as Lord Councillor for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), representing Kawempe North.
Breakthrough to Parliament
2021: Elected as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North on the NUP ticket, defeating nine opponents, including incumbent Abdulatif Ssebagala Ssengendo and former Deputy Lord Mayor Sulaiman Kidandala.
Legal Challenges
September 2021: Summoned by the Uganda Police Force over allegations of involvement in rebel activities in the Greater Masaka region. He was charged with multiple offenses, including murder and attempted murder, and remanded to Kitalya Maximum Security Prison.
February 2023: Released on bail after spending approximately 17 months in prison. Upon his release, he expressed intentions to reclaim his social media prominence, aiming to reestablish himself as the “internet king.”
Health Struggles
August 2023: Traveled to the Netherlands for medical treatment at Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, addressing health issues reportedly caused by alleged torture during his imprisonment.
June 2024: Discharged from Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after undergoing six months of treatment. Doctors recommended three months of bed rest under medical supervision.
Political Aspirations and Final Days
August 2024: Announced plans to seek re-election for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections, despite persistent health challenges.
January 9, 2025: Muhammad Ssegirinya passed away at Rubaga Hospital.
Legacy
Ssegirinya will be remembered as a tenacious politician who dedicated his life to serving the people of Kawempe North. Known for his dynamic presence on social media as “Mr. Update,” he inspired both admiration and controversy throughout his career. His unwavering commitment to his constituents and his ability to rise above challenges will remain a hallmark of his legacy.
May his soul rest in peace.
