Kawempe North elected Member of Parliament and a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muhammad Ssegirinya, also known as "Mr. Update" has passed away. He succumbed to prolonged illness this morning at Rubaga Hospital, Kampala.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow.
“Very sad news this morning. Our brother, our friend, our fellow leader Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya has passed on. Such a dark morning,” Kyagulanyi shared in a social media post.
Ssegirinya was 37 years old and had been battling multiple health complications, including lung disease, hypertension, and skin cancer, since his release from prison two years ago.
A Struggle with Ill Health
Ssegirinya’s health struggles began during his imprisonment in 2021, following charges linked to the machete killings in the Greater Masaka districts. After being granted bail, he was rearrested and spent nearly 18 months on remand before his eventual release. His time in detention reportedly exacerbated his health conditions.
Efforts to restore his health saw him travel for advanced treatment. In mid-2023, he was rushed to Germany and later admitted to Amsterdam UMC Hospital in the Netherlands. Although discharged in September after extensive care, his health deteriorated again, requiring further treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. He was discharged in June 2024 but continued to battle persistent health issues until his passing.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya described Ssegirinya as a fighter:
“We were called this morning by his mother that he passed on. He has been in ICU for days. It is very unfortunate that he has lost his life after such a long struggle. He has been a fighter. He spoke the truth and was a champion for the people.”
A Humble Rise to Leadership
Born and raised in Kyebando, Kawempe North constituency, Ssegirinya first rose to public attention in 2006 while still a Senior Three student at Pimba Secondary School. He became a regular caller on radio political talk shows, referring to himself as the “Voice of Kyebando.” His persistence and grassroots popularity earned him the nickname "Mr. Update," as he would frequently share political and social developments with his community.
Despite initial doubts about his political potential, Ssegirinya shocked many in 2021 when he defeated veteran politician Suleiman Kidandala to secure the NUP flag. He went on to win the Kawempe North seat with an overwhelming 41,197 votes, cementing his place as a people’s champion.
Controversial Arrest and Imprisonment
Ssegirinya's term as MP was overshadowed by his arrest alongside fellow NUP legislator Allan Ssewanyana in connection with the Masaka machete killings, where over 20 people lost their lives. The charges included murder and terrorism.
While on remand, conspiracy theories circulated that their arrests were politically motivated. Critics speculated the charges stemmed from conflicts with influential figures within the ruling NRM party.
Ssegirinya’s imprisonment and subsequent release on bail in 2023 marked a tumultuous period in his political career and personal life.
