The first time you encountered Ssegirinya Mohamad, it wasn’t his political ingenuity that drew you in—it was his radiant smile, a beacon of warmth in an otherwise cold political arena. “Ssegi,” as he was affectionately called, wore his heart on his sleeve, and his playful wit lit up even the darkest moments. With cheeky humor and disarming charm, he turned the mundane into magic, making him a phenomenon far beyond the political stage. His 2019 Facebook updates, affectionately dubbed “Mr. Apudeti,” were more than just news—they were a daily dose of comedy, fantasy, and respite for the weary. Even those who detested politics found themselves captivated, eagerly awaiting his updates as one might await the next chapter of a gripping novel.
But beneath the humor was a man of profound purpose. Ssegirinya’s actions spoke louder than words, cementing his legacy as a servant leader. He established the Ssegirinya Foundation, the Ssegi Box, and the Ssegirinya Cup Tournament—initiatives that uplifted his constituents and nurtured untapped talent. In the heart of Kawempe North, his dream took form in the creation of a free community hospital that offered Mama Kits for expectant mothers and holistic care for all. This was more than charity; it was a lifeline, a testament to his unwavering empathy and his belief in the dignity of every life. His dedication to education was equally remarkable—scholarships flowed generously from his hands, planting seeds of hope in a generation that might otherwise have been lost.
However, even the brightest star cannot escape the clouds of adversity. Ssegirinya’s childlike honesty and raw sincerity clashed with the ruthless undercurrents of Ugandan politics. His playful provocations and theatrical antics, though harmless, earned him scorn from the powers that be. Security operatives struggled to contain his unpredictable nature, often resorting to arrests and violence that only served to amplify his legendary status. As the old adage goes, “A tree that bears fruit is the one pelted with stones.” Ssegirinya, too, bore the brunt of a system unaccustomed to his brand of authenticity. Yet, he stood undeterred, his resolve like a flame that no storm could extinguish.
His demise has left a void, vast and echoing, in the hearts of those who adored him. His final speech—a blend of humor and unmistakable premonition—was a poignant farewell, a reminder that even the most vibrant lives must one day fade. But what remains is his legacy: a fighter who marched to the beat of his own drum, a patriot who dared to dream in a land of cynicism. As we bid him goodbye, it is his laughter that lingers, his lighthearted spirit that softens our grief. “A man is not dead while his name is still spoken,” and Ssegirinya Mohamed’s name will reverberate for generations to come.
“Ssegi,”ou were the rainbow after the storm, the laughter in our tears, and the fighter who taught us all to wear our smiles as armor. Even in this moment of loss, we smile—because that’s what you would have wanted
