The passing of Muhammad Ssegirinya, a dedicated member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Kawempe North MP, has sparked a wave of dissenting opinions both within and outside the party. Concerns have been raised about the chaotic behavior displayed during his burial, with many, including prominent party figures, accusing their leader and a select few of engaging in underhanded politics that could sow division among Ugandans.
They warn that this approach may divert the party from its core mission of fostering change.
Critics have taken to social media, alleging that the leader is exploiting the memory of fallen comrades to garner public sympathy for his own political agenda.
In a recent letter addressed to Robert Kyagulanyi, seen by this publication, Edirisa Musoke, who identifies as a NUP elder from Kyotera District, expressed his disappointment over the disgraceful conduct witnessed at Ssegirinya’s funeral.
He noted that the blatant neglect of the desires of his close family-his mother, siblings, children, and wife, was not only disrespectful but also highlighted how political aspirations can eclipse fundamental human decency.
Ssegirinya was laid to rest on January 12, 2025, in Butale cell, Masaka, amid turmoil, as two groups—NUP led by Kyagulanyi, and Parliament, led by former leader of opposition Mathias Mpuuga—held distinct farewell ceremonies for him.
Parliament’s suggestion for a formal ceremony led by Mpuuga was dismissed by NUP leaders, who claimed that the funeral was being politicized by Parliament.
The NUP, under the leadership of Kyagulanyi, forcefully took control of the body and arranged an independent event, asserting that it was the deceased’s desire to be interred by his party.
This action has since been criticized by numerous Ugandans, including certain party members, Members of Parliament, and the general public.
“Many of us join political parties because we believe in collective ideals, not because we surrender our humanity to those parties. Yet, during this tragic moment, NUP acted as if it owned Ssegirinya, dictating funeral arrangements and sidelining the very family that raised and nurtured him long before he became a party member. Hon. Kyagulanyi, I ask you, would you have tolerated such treatment if it had been your child, your wife, or even yourself? Would you accept NUP to dictate terms over Chairman Nyanzi and your family in such a painful moment?,” he added.
Musoke pointed out that Kyagulanyi’s public expressions of grief regarding Ssegirinya as a party brother seem insincere when juxtaposed with his lack of action during Ssegirinya’s hardships.
“Where were you when his mother lay on the ground crying for help, pleading for his release? You mobilize huge crowds from Kampala, and a lot of resources we’re put in for his funeral event disorganisation, yet when it came to fighting for Ssegirinya’s freedom, neither you nor your leadership demonstrated the same zeal,” he added.
He pointed out that, to add to the situation, several of Kyagulanyi’s closest supporters showed a disturbing lack of sensitivity during the mourning period.
He highlighted the actions of Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, a supposed ally, who opted to enjoy a night of revelry at a Spice Diana concert while the family of the late Ssegirinya was grappling with funeral arrangements.
Musoke emphasized that this “reckless” conduct not only dishonors Ssegirinya’s memory but also reveals the scant regard some of the NUP’s top leaders have for true camaraderie.
“Even Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, despite having the full backing and facilitation from Parliament, could only manage a single day with Ssegirinya in Nairobi before rushing back to officiate at a football match in his constituency,” he adds.
Focused on public appearances
Musoke stressed that all these actions point to a party that prioritizes its image over the actual welfare of its members.
He further expressed that it was even more shameful for Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro to publicly assert that Ssegirinya was “faking illness” yet, the same individual rushed to assert control over the burial arrangements, robbing the children of their right to honor their father with dignity, saying it is truly disheartening how politicians behave.
The elder emphasizes that “this whole situation” reveals a troubling glimpse into NUP’s internal chaos and its fixation on control, often sacrificing compassion in the process.
He observed that while Kyagulanyi frequently advocates for liberation and unity, his actions have tended to create division and undermine the movement rather than propel it forward.
Additionally, he highlighted the unwarranted hostility Kyagulanyi maintains towards former Leader of Opposition and NUP Vice President Central Resgion Mathias Mpuuga as a prime illustration, asserting that genuine liberation cannot be realized by alienating those with differing viewpoints within the movement.
“In moments like this, you should remember your past. Recall the days when you sang at government events and made deals with Gen. Saleh, and mingled with those you now call oppressors the likes of Kayihura while those you harass wherefighting your darlings then if not to date. You were quick to secure bail and retain passports for your inner circle, including Nubian Li and Eddie Mutwe, while others, like Ssegirinya, languished in prison without your visible support. These contradictions reveal a troubling double standard that only serves to delay the very liberation you claim to fight for,” he noted.
Musoke emphasized that true liberation comes not from flashy displays or political theatrics, but from genuinely supporting the community, honoring families, and engaging in real struggles for justice.
“By turning Ssegirinya’s burial into a spectacle, you and your leadership not only disrespected a fallen comrade but also exposed the dangerous tendencies of your party that will continue to delay true freedom for this country,” he added.
“I hope this letter serves as a wake-up call to you and the NUP fraternity. Leadership isn’t about controlling narratives or overshadowing families, it’s about compassion, respect, and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when no one is watching,” he added.
Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko expressed his disapproval of NUP’s actions via his social media platforms, stating that their behavior was inappropriate and showed a lack of respect for Muslim burial traditions during the farewell for the late legislator.
Mpuuga, perceived as the primary adversary of the NUP leader, voiced his dissatisfaction with the party for reportedly denying Ssegirinya a biffiting state burial.
BELOW IS THE LETTER!
Open Letter to the NUP Leadership and Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu
Dear Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and the NUP Leadership,
It is with profound disappointment that I pen this letter in light of the events that transpired during the burial of the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. The blatant disregard for the wishes of his immediate family,his mother, siblings, children, and wife was not only disrespectful but also demonstrated how political ambition can overshadow basic human decency.
Many of us join political parties because we believe in collective ideals, not because we surrender our humanity to those parties. Yet, during this tragic moment, NUP acted as if it owned Ssegirinya, dictating funeral arrangements and sidelining the very family that raised and nurtured him long before he became a party member. Hon. Kyagulanyi, I ask you, would you have tolerated such treatment if it had been your child, your wife, or even yourself? Would you accept NUP to dictate terms over Chairman Nyanzi and your family in such a painful moment?
Your public lamentations about Ssegirinya being a party brother ring hollow when contrasted with your inaction during his suffering. Where were you when his mother lay on the ground crying for help, pleading for his release? You mobilize huge crowds from Kampala, and a lot of resources we’re put in for his funeral event disorganisation, yet when it came to fighting for Ssegirinya’s freedom, neither you nor your leadership demonstrated the same zeal.
To make matters worse, some of your closest allies displayed shocking insensitivity during the mourning period. Hon. Zaake, a supposed comrade, chose to spend the night partying at a Spice Diana concert while the late Ssegirinya’s family was struggling with funeral preparations. This reckless behaviour not only disrespects the memory of Ssegirinya but also exposes how little some of your top leaders value genuine comradeship.
Even Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, despite having the full backing and facilitation from Parliament, could only manage a single day with Ssegirinya in Nairobi before rushing back to officiate at a football match in his constituency. Such actions reveal a party more focused on public appearances than the well-being of its members. Worse still, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro’s public claims that Ssegirinya was “faking illness” were disgraceful, and yet the same man was quick to claim authority over the burial, denying the children their right to bury their father with dignity kitalo nnyo twagirwa ba politicians.
This entire episode paints a disturbing picture of NUP’s internal dysfunction and its obsession with control at the expense of humanity. Hon. Kyagulanyi, you often speak of liberation and unity, yet your actions have done more to divide and weaken the struggle than to advance it. The unnecessary animosity you continue to foster towards Hon. Mpuuga is a perfect example of this. True liberation can not be achieved by isolating those who hold differing opinions within the struggle.
In moments like this, you should remember your past. Recall the days when you sang at government events and made deals with Gen. Saleh, and mingled with those you now call oppressors the likes of Kayihura while those you harass wherefighting your darlings then if not to date. You were quick to secure bail and retain passports for your inner circle, including Nubian Li and Eddie Mutwe, while others, like Ssegirinya, languished in prison without your visible support. These contradictions reveal a troubling double standard that only serves to delay the very liberation you claim to fight for.
Liberation isn’t achieved through showmanship and political stunts. It’s achieved by standing with the people, respecting families, and fighting genuine battles for justice. By turning Ssegirinya’s burial into a spectacle, you and your leadership not only disrespected a fallen comrade but also exposed the dangerous tendencies of your party that will continue to delay true freedom for this country.
I hope this letter serves as a wake-up call to you and the NUP fraternity. Leadership isn’t about controlling narratives or overshadowing families,it’s about compassion, respect, and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.
Sincerely,
EDIRISA MUSOKE
KYOTEERA DISTRICT.
NUP Elder.
