Government has confirmed that the sum of Shs1 billion was spent on treating the fallen Kawempe North MP Ssegirinya Muhammad (NUP).
MP Ssegirinya, who had been battling an acute illness for over a year, was laid to rest in Masaka district on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, during a distressing funeral process.
His mother, Justin Nakajumba, and other relatives were never allowed to participate in the funeral processes after they were blocked by the opposition National Unity Platform party foot soldiers.
On Monday, January 13th, 2025, the deputy presidential press secretary, Faruk Kirunda, confirmed that the government had used Ugx 1 billion to cover medical bills for the outspoken late opposition legislator.
Kirunda said the family of the late Ssegirinya was actively involved in selecting the hospitals where he received treatment.
This clarification came in response to allegations raised during Ssegirinya’s funeral by the NUP team.
“What does NUP think of the family, which is already enduring the double tragedy of losing a father, brother, husband, and in-law while witnessing his name dishonored at his final farewell?” said Kirunda.
Kirunda also urged NUP leaders to avoid what he termed “cheap political plays,” warning that such actions could bring curses.
He sharply criticized the National Unity Platform for disregarding the official burial arrangements offered by the government to honor the former legislator who served his country.
Kirunda questioned why NUP members, during Parliament’s special tribute session for the late legislator, did not openly reject the proposed arrangements but instead resorted to actions that aimed at gaining cheap popularity.
The deceased was first admitted at Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya, where he spent several months undergoing treatment before he was returned to Uganda and later taken to Rubaga Hospital in Kampala. He also went to Universal Medical Hospital in Amsterdam Netherlands and Nsambya Hospital in Uganda.