The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has dismissed reports claiming that Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya has died. During a morning plenary session, Speaker Among clarified that although the MP is critically ill, he is still alive.
“Upon consultation with the doctors, they informed us that his organs have collapsed, but the heart is still on, so ethically, they cannot pronounce him dead,” Among told legislators.
She assured the House that updates on Ssegirinya’s condition would be provided, emphasizing that he remains in critical condition.
Earlier in the day, unverified reports circulated suggesting that the embattled legislator had passed away. National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi initially announced Ssegirinya’s death but later clarified the statement, attributing the confusion to information provided to the MP’s mother.
“When the mother was told that Ssegirinya was brain dead with most of his organs shut down, she announced his death,” Kyagulanyi explained.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who visited Rubaga Hospital, informed the media that doctors have declared Ssegirinya “brain dead.” Brain death, a state where all brain functions permanently cease, is medically and legally regarded as death. However, this differs from a coma, a condition in which unconscious individuals may retain some reflex responses and can potentially recover.
Ssegirinya, known for his activism and legal troubles, has faced significant health challenges during his prolonged detention. His current condition has sparked discussions about the welfare and treatment of detainees in Uganda.
Speaker Among reiterated Parliament’s commitment to keeping the public informed about any developments regarding Ssegirinya’s health, as concerns about his wellbeing continue to grow.
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