Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, has passed away at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala after a prolonged illness. He was 35 years old.
Born in 1988 in Masaka District, Ssegirinya rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent political figure in Uganda. He first gained public attention as a frequent caller on Kampala radio talk shows, referring to himself as “Ssegirinya eddoboozi lye Kyebando.” His activism and engagement with community issues earned him the nickname “Mr. Update” on social media.
In 2016, Ssegirinya was elected as the Lord Councillor for Kampala Capital City Authority, representing Kawempe North. Building on his grassroots support, he contested the Kawempe North parliamentary seat in 2021 under the National Unity Platform (NUP) and won, defeating nine other candidates, including the incumbent Abdulatif Ssebagala Ssengendo and former Deputy Lord Mayor Sulaiman Kidandala.
Ssegirinya’s tenure in Parliament was marked by his dedication to his constituents and his outspoken nature. However, his political career faced significant challenges. In September 2021, he was arrested alongside fellow MP Allan Ssewanyana on charges related to a series of killings in the Greater Masaka region. The arrests were widely viewed as politically motivated, targeting opposition figures. After spending several months in detention, Ssegirinya was released on bail in February 2023.
Following his release, Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated, attributed to the alleged torture he endured while in custody. He sought medical treatment in the Netherlands and later at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, for conditions including skin cancer and gastrointestinal complications. Despite periods of improvement, his health remained fragile.
In August 2024, Ssegirinya announced his intention to seek re-election in 2026, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to public service. Tragically, his health took a turn for the worse, leading to his admission to Lubaga Hospital, where he passed away on January 9, 2025.
Ssegirinya’s death is a significant loss to the Kawempe North community and the broader political landscape in Uganda. He is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his constituents, his activism, and his efforts to amplify the voices of the marginalized. As the nation mourns his passing, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, constituents, and supporters who admired his tenacity and commitment to justice.