Even on his sick bed, Muhammad Ssegirinya usually found time to comment on political goings-on in the country.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In one of the videos released last year, Ssegirinya is seen grasping for air while announcing that he will stand again in Kawempe North in 2026.
That will not be the case. Ssegirinya, 37, died today morning after battling a long illness for more than two years.
His death marks the tragic end of a political journey filled with promise, controversy, and misfortune. Known for his fiery rhetoric and unwavering commitment to the ordinary citizen, Ssegirinya rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of hope for many in his constituency.
Between 2011 and 2016, Ssegirinya was an active participant in political rallies. He always flanked FDC’s Dr Kizza Besigye during most of these activities.
Many of his actions seemed comical at that time but they struck a chord with ordinary voters who came to identify with him.
Ssegirinya burst onto the political scene as a grassroots mobilizer in Kawempe with a knack for addressing the everyday concerns of ordinary people.
Dubbed “Mr. Updates” for his vibrant social media presence, he garnered a massive following, especially among the youth. He was the first to post on social media about Robert Kyagulanyi’s arrest in Luuka in November 2020, an arrest that sparked off riots in Kampala and other areas leading to the death of more than 70 people.
His win in the 2021 parliamentary elections on a National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket was seen as a victory for the underdog, defeating seasoned political opponents such as the incumbent Latif Ssebaggala with his relatable, populist approach.
It had been a tall order for him to get the NUP ticket in the first place.
Shortly after his election, Ssegirinya began implementing initiatives that endeared him to his constituents. Among his notable contributions was the introduction of the “Segibox,” a food bank system aimed at addressing food insecurity among vulnerable families in Kawempe North.
He also established a medical center to provide affordable healthcare services to his voters, a move that demonstrated his understanding of the pressing needs in his community.
The Arrest
However, Ssegirinya’s promising start as an MP was short-lived. In September 2021, just months into his term, he was arrested alongside Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana on charges related to a spate of killings in Masaka district.
The allegations shocked his supporters and drew widespread condemnation from human rights activists, who accused the government of targeting opposition politicians.
Ssegirinya’s arrest marked the beginning of his political and personal woes. For months, he was held in detention under harsh conditions, with his bail applications repeatedly denied. During this period, his health began to deteriorate, sparking concerns among his family and supporters.
The once vibrant and energetic MP was reduced to a shadow of his former self, as he battled both legal and physical challenges.
Following his release from prison in February 2023, Ssegirinya was admitted to various hospitals at home and abroad, battling an unknown illness which appeared to have snuffed life out of him.
For most of last year, he was bed ridden at Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi where his condition never5 appeared to improve.
He returned to the country but his condition remained critical, and he was rarely seen in public. The absence of his leadership in Kawempe North created a vacuum, with his projects like the Segibox and the medical center faltering without his direct oversight.
Despite his health challenges, Ssegirinya’s name remained on the lips of many Ugandans. His supporters viewed him as a victim of political persecution, while critics questioned his ability to effectively represent his constituents. Throughout his illness, he maintained a stoic silence, leaving many to speculate about the true extent of his struggles.
Ssegirinya’s death has left his constituents mourning the loss of a leader who had shown great potential. While his tenure as MP was marred by controversy and setbacks, his early initiatives showcased his genuine desire to improve the lives of his voters.
The Segibox, though no longer operational, was a testament to his innovative approach to addressing community needs. Similarly, the medical center he established provided much-needed services to hundreds of residents, even if only for a brief period.
What if?
It is impossible to discuss Ssegirinya’s career without pondering what might have been had he been allowed to serve his term without interference. His hands-on approach to leadership and his focus on grassroots initiatives suggested a bright future in politics.
Some believe he could have become a transformative figure, inspiring other young leaders to follow in his footsteps.
As Kawempe North prepares for a by-election to fill the void left by Ssegirinya’s passing, his efforts to uplift the community will not be forgotten.
For many, he will be remembered as a man who, despite his flaws and challenges, sought to make a difference.
In the end, Ssegirinya’s story is one of unfulfilled potential, a promising political career brought to an abrupt and tragic end.