By Jonathan Kivumbi
Truth be told, ‘ssinga okufayo ggavumenti kwelaze mukufa kwa Honourable Ssegirinya, kweyassaawo mukumuwa obwenkanya ku misango egyamuggulwaako, oba oli awo essawa ya leero honourable Ssegirinya yandibadde akyassa.’
To this day, Ssegirinya’s re-arrest after being granted temporary freedom (bail) remains vivid in my mind and surely in the hearts of millions. The countless pleas from his mother to the government, including direct appeals to the President, to allow her son temporary freedom to seek proper medical care, still echo painfully. Ssegirinya’s deteriorating health during and after his incarceration was clear for all to see. Despite undeniable evidence from pictures showing his frailty, our courts of law insisted on his physical presence to answer the multiple charges he faced in different courts. This relentless demand inflicted severe psychological and emotional torture on him, significantly hindering any chance of recovery.
The delayed investigations into the Masaka panga massacres undoubtedly contributed to haunting Ssegirinya and accelerating his demise. It is deeply disheartening that he passed away without receiving the justice he fought for—from his days as Ssegirinya Muhammad eddobozzi lye Kyebando to his tragic end. Justice remained elusive for him despite his unwavering struggle for fairness and equity.
Psychologists will agree that emotional and psychological torture can be far more devastating than physical torment. Unfortunately, Ssegirinya endured both. His plight and suffering should have prompted urgent action from those with the power to help, especially considering his young family. His children, including Nnagirinya and her siblings, were robbed of their father’s presence and support. Yet, the voices advocating for justice seemed insufficient to make a tangible difference.
Why couldn’t those in authority recognize the desperate need for justice for a young father whose family depended not only on his support but on his very existence? Why did we have to hear calls for authorities to act only after his passing? Since when did our judicial system fail to uphold the very principles it was designed to protect? I am not opposed to Ssegirinya’s arrest if deemed necessary by the government. My concern lies in the denial of the justice he deserved—a denial that undoubtedly contributed to his untimely death.
It is especially disheartening that he passed away while still handcuffed. Now, voices are emerging, calling for posthumous justice, including dropping the charges against him and his co-accused, such as Honorable Allan Ssewanyana. Why is this happening now, when it could have been addressed while he was still alive?
Yes, we know that Parliament takes charge of the burial arrangements for a sitting Member of Parliament (MP), with funds allocated for this purpose. But let us ask ourselves: Did Parliament do enough to ensure that Ssegirinya was accorded justice during and after his incarceration? Walking out of prison should not be mistaken for receiving justice. These are fundamentally different. Ssegirinya walked out of prison, but he was never granted the justice the law demands. This failure, I believe, significantly contributed to his untimely death.
I beg to submit. Fight hard, Mr. Update. Till we meet again. 🙏
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