Ssenyonyi slams Govt for neglecting tribute to MP Ssegirinya

The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has condemned the government for neglecting its duty during a parliamentary tribute to the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Speaking during a special sitting to honor the 37-year-old legislator, Ssenyonyi expressed disappointment over the absence of senior government officials on the front bench and their failure to move the customary motion in Ssegirinya’s honor.

"I am deeply disappointed. The Deputy Prime Minister only walked in later, but earlier there was no one from the government side to move the motion. This practice has always seen the Prime Minister move it, with the Leader of Opposition seconding. That didn’t happen today," Ssenyonyi said.

Ssegirinya, who passed away at 37, was remembered as a passionate advocate for grassroots activism and a symbol of resilience. Ssenyonyi highlighted his humble beginnings and dedication to education, even while serving as an MP.

"Ssegirinya never stopped learning. He understood the struggles of ordinary Ugandans and worked tirelessly to advocate for them," he said.

Ssenyonyi also recounted Ssegirinya’s deteriorating health while in prison, where he was denied bail despite recommendations from government doctors for specialised treatment.

"Even when his condition worsened, he was sent back to jail. After being granted bail, he was abducted by plainclothes gunmen, a blatant violation of the law," Ssenyonyi lamented.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of human rights violations, Ssenyonyi said, citing numerous cases of abductions and missing persons in Uganda.

"We live in a country that prides itself on constitutionalism, yet such actions persist. Uganda is bleeding, and we must find a way to stop it," he said.

Laroo-Pece Division MP Charles Onen echoed the call for change, urging politicians to sanitise the country’s political environment.

"Politics may be a dirty game, but we must be its sanitisers. Uganda needs healing," Onen remarked.