Hudu Hussein, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Masaka City, has faced significant backlash from Ugandans after he sent a harsh message directed at leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The comments came following the death of Kawempe North Member of Parliament, Honorable Ssegirinya Muhammad, also known as “Mr. Update.” Ssegirinya had been in and out of the hospital for some time, and many people believe that the harsh conditions he faced in prison contributed significantly to his deteriorating health.
He passed away recently, prompting Hussein to take to his verified X account and write a controversial post. In his message, Hussein referred to the NUP leaders as “reckless,” urging them to be more cautious with their words, especially in moments of heightened emotions. He warned them that while regrets come later, the Ugandan public does not forget.
The post sparked widespread outrage among Ugandans, who accused Hussein of being insensitive and unfair in his statement. Many people believe that it is the government, rather than NUP, that should be held responsible for Ssegirinya’s death, particularly due to the conditions he endured while in detention.
Ssegirinya, along with fellow MP Allan Ssewanyana, was arrested in 2021 on charges of involvement in killings in Masaka, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Both denied the charges, and after spending several months in prison, they were granted bail in early 2023. However, during his time in prison, Ssegirinya’s health deteriorated, leading many Ugandans to believe that the conditions he faced were a major factor in his eventual death.
The backlash against Hussein’s comments was swift, with many Ugandans taking to social media to voice their anger. One person criticized Hussein for not speaking out about the numerous Muslims who have been abducted, tortured, or killed by the government, including Ssegirinya. They accused him of complacency and isolation from reality. Another person called for Hussein to feel shame for his remarks, suggesting that Allah might guide him away from hypocrisy.
Many Ugandans questioned why Hussein would blame NUP leaders instead of acknowledging the harsh conditions faced by opposition figures in the country. This situation has led to widespread calls for accountability, with many people demanding better treatment and protection for all leaders, regardless of their political affiliations.
Ssegirinya’s death has stirred deep sadness and anger across Uganda, with a growing demand for the government to take responsibility for its actions and provide fair treatment for all citizens.
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