Luwemba Visits Ssegirinya's Grave to Seek Divine Help for NUP Flag

As the race for the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag in the Kawempe North by-election heats up, Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba has taken his campaign to the final resting place of his former boss, the late Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Luwemba, who previously served as an aide to Ssegirinya, visited the former MP’s grave in Masaka early Sunday morning, accompanied by a group of supporters.

His mission? To seek divine intervention and, symbolically, the late legislator’s blessing as he battles for the party ticket.

The visit comes just two days before NUP is expected to announce its official flag bearer for the highly contested parliamentary seat.

Dressed in a flowing white Islamic tunic, Luwemba arrived at Ssegirinya’s ancestral home at 10 AM, flanked by allies, including Bwaise 1 KCCA councillor Jamir Nsereko, Kasangati councillor Muhammad Kayabula, Muwalim Hassan Kayizzi, among others.

Their presence at the home quickly turned emotional, with mourners joining in as they proceeded straight to the late MP’s grave while chanted songs calling os Ssegirinya's spirit to "rise and fight" in their favour.

At the grave, the group recited a Dua (Islamic prayer) led by Muwalim Hassan Kayizzi, asking God to grant Ssegirinya eternal peace in Jannah~ul Firdaus (Paradise).

They also prayed for Luwemba’s success in securing the NUP card, hoping that the spiritual connection with the late MP would strengthen his bid.

Do Not Rest, Fight Hard

Standing by the grave, an emotional Luwemba addressed his late boss, pleading with him not to “rest” but to continue fighting for the NUP ticket from the afterlife.

He assured the deceased that he was not a political traitor and vowed to carry on Ssegirinya’s legacy in Kawempe North, fulfilling the promises the late MP had made to his constituents.

Wandegeya councillor Thomas Bagonza used the occasion to urge NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and other top party officials to choose a flag bearer who truly represents Ssegirinya’s values and mission.

Residents of Butale, Ssegirinya’s birthplace, also joined in, calling on Kyagulanyi to carefully scrutinize the contenders and ensure the best candidate takes up the mantle.

Luwemba also took the opportunity to remind Ugandans that Ssegirinya’s 40-days Dua (prayer memorial) will be held on March 2, 2025, urging all supporters and well-wishers to attend.

However, Islam, the religion that Luwemba only took up recently, frowns upon such actions as it is a shirk.

In Islam, shirk refers to the sin of associating partners with Allah or attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Him.

It is considered the gravest sin in Islam because it directly contradicts the concept of tawhid (the oneness of God). The Quran repeatedly condemns shirk, emphasizlsing that Allah alone is worthy of worship.

Shirk can take different forms including worshiping someone or something other than Allah, such as praying to idols, saints, or seeking divine help from anyone besides Allah.

With at least 10 contenders vying for the NUP ticket, including Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, and Moses Nsereko, all eyes are now on Tuesday, when Kyagulanyi and the NUP leadership are expected to announce the party’s flag bearer.

As the decision day approaches, Luwemba’s symbolic visit to Ssegirinya’s grave has added a dramatic and emotional twist to what is already a highly anticipated political contest.