The burial of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, has highlighted significant divisions within the National Unity Platform (NUP)

Mpuuga accused the NUP of neglecting Ssegirinya during his illness

The burial of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, has highlighted significant divisions within the National Unity Platform (NUP).

There was considerable controversy over the burial arrangements. The NUP leadership rejected state funeral plans, leading to disagreements about where the burial should occur. Initially, there was an attempt to take Ssegirinya's body to a community playground for the funeral service, but this was opposed by a group of NUP supporters, leading to physical altercations. Eventually, the burial took place at Ssegirinya's ancestral home in Masaka, which was seen as a move to maintain dignity and respect for the deceased's wishes.

Two separate ceremonies

The situation escalated to the point where two separate venues were set up for mourners. One was organized by the NUP fraternity, and the other by Mathias Mpuuga, a former NUP member, highlighting the internal rifts. Mpuuga accused the NUP of neglecting Ssegirinya during his illness, while NUP members and supporters criticized Mpuuga for his perceived betrayal of the party's ideals.

Political Allegiances and Accusations:

The event has brought to light ongoing tensions within NUP, particularly around loyalty and political strategy. Mpuuga, who has been at odds with NUP leadership since accepting a monetary award from the government, faced significant opposition for attending the burial. This has been interpreted as a broader sign of division and dissatisfaction within the party.

Public and Political Reactions:

Social media and news outlets have been abuzz with commentary on the event. Some posts and articles suggest that the NUP's handling of the burial shows a lack of discipline or unity, which could impact the party's image and effectiveness. There are also discussions about the government's role and intentions, with some viewing the state's involvement in funeral arrangements as politically motivated.

Justice and Accountability:

The burial has rekindled calls for justice regarding the treatment of opposition figures, especially in light of Ssegirinya's health deteriorating after his imprisonment. The NUP's actions at the burial were seen by some as a stand against government overreach and a demand for accountability.

In conclusion, Ssegirinya's burial not only mourned the loss of a political figure but also exposed and possibly deepened the divisions within the NUP, reflecting broader political tensions in Uganda.