📷 NUP divide clouds Ssegirinya’s burial in Masaka

The burial of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, 37, held on Sunday, January 12, was marked by tensions as disagreements arose over burial arrangements.

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi led supporters in opposing plans overseen by the ex-leader of the opposition in Parliament also the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP, Mathias Mpuuga, who had been delegated by Speaker Anita Among to manage the funeral.

Ssegirinya passed away on January 9, 2025, at Rubaga Hospital after a long illness.

Efforts by Ssegirinya’s mother, Justine Sanyu, to shift the venue from their home at Butale cell, Matanga ward, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division in Masaka city, to the more spacious Butale school playground where the official send-off had been planned were unsuccessful.

“Kindly allow us to take the body of the deceased to the main venue at the playground since this place is too small to accommodate all of us,” Sanyu pleaded in vain.

Sanyu expressed gratitude to Among and Kyagulanyi, for supporting the family during their difficult time. 

Kyagulanyi pledged ongoing support for the late MP’s family.

Kampala City Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago regretted that the Ssegirinya died before his case at Masaka High Court could be disposed of.

Lukwago made a passionate plea to opposition parties to unite behind a single candidate in the by-election for the Kawempe North seat.

"Let's all speak as one voice for the first time. All political parties should rally behind a candidate to replace the deceased," he said.

Eddie Mutwe, the head of security for Kyagulanyi, praised Ssegirinya’s commitment to NUP, recalling his role in supporting the party’s foot soldiers during the COVID-19 lockdown by improvising motorcycles to enhance their mobility.

The function at Butale playground went ahead despite the absence of the deceased’s body. 

Mpuuga was sharply critical of the NUP supporters’ actions, saying Ssegirinya was entitled to a befitting send-off given his status as a legislator.

Ssegirinya’s wives, children, and siblings were among other family members in attendance.