Gloom has taken over the faces of Ugandans following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya famously known as Mr Update, a Member of Uganda’s 11th Parliament representing the people of Kawempe North Constituency of Kampala City, Uganda. Ssegirinya passed away on January 9, 2025, at Rubaga Hospital in Kampala at the age of 36 after a prolonged illness believed to have significantly impacted his health ever since he was released from prison.
His passing, initially announced by the NUP Party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on his Bobi Wine Facebook page, was followed by a clarification post stating that Ssegirinya was only brain-dead and not officially declared dead, ending the post with “PRAY FOR A MIRACLE.”
Unfortunately, at 12:10 PM, Muhammad Ssegirinya was confirmed dead by the hospital, which stated that despite all efforts to save him, he succumbed to his condition.
The hospital has now confirmed that Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya has passed on at 12:10pm. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un! pic.twitter.com/CIRBzEe66O
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) January 9, 2025
Who was Ssegirinya ‘Mr. Update’?
Born in 1988 in Masaka District, Ssegirinya’s journey is one marked with resilience and a commitment to social justice. He rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, known for his grassroots activism and his ability to connect with constituents through social media, earning him the nickname “Mr. Update.” His political career began as a local councillor before being elected to Parliament in 2021 under the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) banner.
Ssegirinya was widely recognized for his advocacy for the marginalized and his outspoken nature on issues of democracy and governance. He faced significant challenges during his tenure, including being arrested on politically charged allegations of murder and terrorism in 2021, together with Allan Ssewanyana, a Member of Parliament for Makindye East. Many viewed this as an attempt to silence opposition voices. Despite these adversities, he remained dedicated to his constituents, often donating his parliamentary salary to support community initiatives like
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have flooded in from fellow Members of Parliament from all parties, led by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Anita Annet Among, as well as from Ugandans across the country and in Diaspora.
Dear Countrymen and Countrywomen,
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our brother, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, who breathed his last at 12:10 PM. From Allah we come, and to Him we return. I have instructed the Clerk of Parliament to coordinate with the… pic.twitter.com/0zQdaHwx1o
— Anita Annet Among (@AnitahAmong) January 9, 2025
His funeral arrangements have been announced, and he is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Kadugala, Masaka District.
Tentative program for the send-off of our brother Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, in accordance with the wishes of his family. pic.twitter.com/HTgg87WgW9
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) January 9, 2025
Muhammad Ssegirinya will be remembered as a passionate advocate for change and a voice for the voiceless in Uganda.
