Frank Gashumba, Chairperson of the Council for Abavandimwe, has criticised the chaotic scenes that disrupted the burial of the late Kawempe North Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, in Masaka.
Speaking on Sanyuka TV on Tuesday morning, Gashumba condemned the disarray and called for unity and civility in Uganda's politics and cultural practices.
Gashumba took a jab at Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, labeling him "the greatest comedian in Uganda’s history," accusing him of prioritising theatrics over substantive leadership.
He emphasized that “politics is not war” and urged an end to hostility among political rivals, particularly in Buganda, which he described as “the pinnacle of civilisation.”
He also criticised the burial organizers for mishandling the event, highlighting that Ssegirinya’s mother and brother were locked out.
“The send-off ceremony was supposed to be managed by the family. Locking out his own mother and brother was disrespectful and against our cultural values,” Gashumba stated.
In a scathing critique of the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership, Gashumba referred to party members involved as “fool soldiers, not foot soldiers,” and questioned their competence.
“Ssegirinya supported Kyagulanyi during his campaign for MP. Despite his Muslim faith, what happened at his burial went against both culture and tradition,” he said.
The burial in Butale Village, Masaka District, was marred by disputes and tension. Disagreements arose over whether Parliament should organize an official send-off.
While Parliament proposed a formal ceremony, NUP leaders opposed it, accusing Parliament of using the occasion for political gain.
The situation worsened with a clash over the burial venue. Parliament suggested a playground near Ssegirinya's parental home, but NUP insisted on a more modest, community-focused farewell.
Chaos erupted as NUP supporters blocked police pallbearers from accessing the Parliament-designated venue.
The deployment of security forces, including police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, only exacerbated the situation.
Despite the unrest, Ssegirinya was remembered as a passionate and resilient leader who worked tirelessly for his constituents.