Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Faruk Kirunda, confirmed that the government spent a staggering Ugx 1 billion to cover the medical bills of the late opposition legislator, Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad.
The deceased MP was buried in a dramatic way on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Masaka District, with two parallel groups holding send off ceremonies.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), the party to which Ssegirinya belonged, trashed the official state funeral arrangements organized by Parliament.
Parliament had organized a comprehensive occasion at a playground near Ssegirinya’s home in Butale village, but NUP foot soldiers ditched this plan, instead accusing Parliament of attempting to lavishly waste tax payers money instead of handing it to the family. The group blocked police pallbearers from accessing the official venue, resulting in scuffles and heightened tensions.
Now in a statement released by Kirunda on his official X platform, Kirunda says the NUP (National Unity Platform) team had raised questions at Ssegirinya’s funeral, with accusations of dishonoring the late MP’s legacy. However, Kirunda swiftly responded, defending the government’s actions.]
He pointed out that the family of the late Ssegirinya played an active role in selecting the hospitals where he received treatment.
“What was the meaning of refusing the government to bury him, yet the government paid about Shs 1 billion for his treatment?” Kirunda questioned. He also noted that the government oversaw the special tribute session for Ssegirinya in Parliament, which NUP had not objected to.
Kirunda further expressed concerns about claims of poisoning, asking if any of the hospitals had released independent reports supporting such allegations.
“Wouldn’t it be all over social media by now if there was any truth to it?” he added.
He also raised poignant questions about the NUP’s treatment of Ssegirinya’s family, who were grieving the loss of a son, brother, father, and husband.
“What does NUP think of the family that is suffering double jeopardy, losing a loved one and seeing him dishonored at his last farewell?” Kirunda warned that this kind of political maneuvering could bring a curse upon the nation if it continues.
The controversial burial has left many puzzled as political plays overshadowed the grieving process, with both sides grappling with difficult questions about loyalty, respect, and accountability.
Ssegirinya’s treatment journey spanned several prestigious facilities. He was first admitted to Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya, later transferred to Rubaga Hospital in Kampala, then Universal Medical Hospital in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Nsambya Hospital back in Uganda.
