On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the body of the late Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad, former Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, was laid to rest.
The day was marked by two significant events, each hosted by prominent leaders from different factions of the political landscape.
The first event was led by Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition and a founding member of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Despite the noble efforts, the gathering saw a smaller crowd, with only a few members of the masses in attendance.
The second event was led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of NUP. His presence drew a larger crowd, as he paid tribute to the late Hon. Ssegirinya, who was remembered for his commitment to the people of Kawempe North and his political ideals.
During his address, Bobi Wine reassured the public that the NUP would follow a transparent and democratic process to find a suitable replacement for Hon. Ssegirinya.
He emphasized that the party’s commitment to “people power” would guide them in selecting a candidate who would continue Ssegirinya’s work and uphold his objectives.
“We cannot fail to find a candidate who will fulfill Ssegirinya’s vision,” Bobi Wine declared. “Our process will be transparent, and it will always be guided by the power of the people.”
He reiterated the guiding principle of the National Unity Platform: “We are people power, and we shall always remind the people of their power.”
As the political landscape discussed the future of Kawempe North, Commission Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi provided crucial legal clarity regarding the process of holding a by-election. He explained that a by-election could only take place if a Member of Parliament passes away more than six months before the next general elections.
“The law stipulates that once an MP dies and the seat is declared vacant by the Clerk to Parliament, the Electoral Commission must conduct a by-election within 60 days,” Mucunguzi clarified. “However, if the death occurs less than six months before the general election, no by-election will be held.”
Given that the next general elections are scheduled for January or February 2026, Mucunguzi confirmed that the vacancy caused by Ssegirinya’s death is well beyond the six-month threshold, meaning a by-election will be held once the vacancy is officially declared.
“The Electoral Commission will act in accordance with the law once the Clerk to Parliament notifies us of the vacancy,” he concluded.
As the nation reflects on Hon. Ssegirinya’s legacy, the people of Kawempe North and the wider Ugandan public remain hopeful that the democratic process will ensure they have a representative who carries on his mission.
