The family of the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya has expressed frustration and disappointment over the manner in which the National Unity Platform (NUP) handled his funeral, accusing the party of leaving them burdened with significant debts.
The burial, which took place on Sunday in Butale-Kaddugala village, Masaka, was marred by chaos and disagreements between NUP leadership, headed by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and the family.
According to Ssegirinya’s relatives, NUP hijacked the ceremony, sidelining the family and preventing them from properly mourning their loved one.
One of Ssegirinya’s sisters revealed that the family was reduced to spectators, forced to watch the events on television like other Ugandans.
She accused NUP of harassing the family, particularly the MP’s mother, and failing to respect their role in organizing and conducting the burial.
The family pointed out that NUP had already been given multiple opportunities to pay their respects, including during the vigil at Mbogo Mosque, at the party’s headquarters, and at the MP’s home in Kasangati.
However, they allege that in Masaka, the party took complete control, preventing the family from performing traditional last rites or managing the burial as they saw fit.
What has shocked the family most, they say, is that after causing chaos, including damaging crops in the area, NUP left them saddled with huge debts from the funeral. Many well-wishers who might have provided financial support reportedly stayed away, citing fear of harassment and assault by NUP supporters.
“This was not just disrespectful, but it has left us struggling to cover the costs,” one family member lamented.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning how the funeral of a leader known for advocating for the underprivileged turned into such a contentious event.
The family has called on political actors to respect grieving families and ensure dignity in future ceremonies.
