The nation is mourning the loss of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, who has been officially pronounced dead by Lubaga Hospital management.
According to the hospital, Ssegirinya passed away on Thursday, 9th January 2025, at 12:10 PM.
The official statement from the hospital, reveals that Ssegirinya had been receiving specialized medical care but succumbed to complications and despite the efforts of the medical team, they were unable to save his life.
Hon. Ssegirinya was known for his passionate advocacy and unwavering dedication to serving the people of Kawempe North. Often referred to as “Mr. Updates” for his active engagement with the public, his passing marks the end of a distinguished career in public service.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parliament of Uganda, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Members of Parliament, his family, and the people of Kawempe North, whom he represented with passion and commitment,” read part of the hospital’s statement.
The news has sparked an outpouring of grief from leaders and citizens alike, with many describing him as a selfless leader who always prioritized the needs of his constituents.
Details of the funeral arrangements and tributes from Parliament are expected in the coming days.
Prior to this announcement, Lubaga Hospital’s acting Medical Director, Dr. Grace Nanyondo, notified the public that the condition of Kawempe North MP was critical, dismissing earlier rumors of his death.
She declared that he was still alive but but brain-dead, with his organs having shut down.
Muhammad Ssegirinya, born in 1988 in Butale, Masaka District, Uganda, grew up in a poor Catholic family. He later converted to Islam and changed his name from Richard to Muhammad. Ssegirinya attended Kadugala Primary School, Kaddugala Secondary School, and Pimba Secondary School. He holds a certificate in Urban Food Experience from the Netherlands, which has been criticized as the minimum qualification for his parliamentary role.
Ssegirinya rose to prominence as a radio caller and social media sensation under the name “Mr. Update.” He served as a Kampala city councillor for Kawempe North from 2016 to 2021 before winning the parliamentary seat in 2021 under the National Unity Platform (NUP). His victory was contested in court but upheld.
His political journey faced setbacks, including a 2011 loss and a 2016 defeat in the FDC primaries. In September 2021, he was arrested on charges related to rebel activities in the Greater Masaka region, though no evidence was presented. He was remanded and later released on bail in February 2023 after spending time in Kitalya Maximum Security Prison. He received treatment for torture wounds in the Netherlands in August 2023. Despite his health challenges, he declared his intent to contest again in 2026.
During his time on remand, Ssegirinya’s health began to deteriorate significantly, a condition that persisted even after his release, casting a shadow over his political and personal life.
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