Ssegirinya put service above self

As a Rotarian, I have always believed in our motto, Service Above Self, a call to dedicate oneself to helping others selflessly, even when it demands personal sacrifice. Hon Muhammad Ssegirinya embodied this principle in every sense of the word. He was a humanitarian at heart, a man who gave of himself tirelessly to uplift others, often with the little he had. Today, we mourn the passing of not just a Member of Parliament, but a servant of the people whose life was marked by compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
 
I first met Hon. Ssegirinya in 2020 when he reached out to me after watching a story I had done about a young man, 20-year-old Davis Mayinja, who had been bedridden for over a year from a mysterious illness. I still vividly remember the name flashing on my phone “Hon. Mohammed Ssegirinya calling” as I picked up his call. He spoke with deep empathy, sharing how touched he was by the young man’s plight and expressing his determination to help.
 
True to his word, the next morning, he arrived in Luwero with his ambulance, ready to assist. He transported Mayinja to Doctors Medical Centre in Mpererwe, where he ensured the young man received treatment. Later, he moved him to Mulago Hospital for further check-ups and eventually took him to his own health facility, Kawempe North Medical Centre, where Mayinja received the care that gave him a fighting chance at life. This selfless act was not an isolated instance, it was the very essence of who Ssegirinya was.
 
Even when circumstances beyond his control intervened, such as his incarceration in connection with the Masaka murders, Ssegirinya’s heart remained with those he sought to help. Tragically, Mayinja passed away during his time behind bars, and when he was later granted bail, Ssegirinya made a point to call me again. He expressed his deep sorrow for the loss and visited the family to grieve alongside them. Such was his character—a man who felt deeply for the struggles of others and did all he could to make a difference.
 
Ssegirinya was a friend to me as well. His random calls to check on me, coupled with his approachable and genuine demeanor, were a testament to his humility. He reminded me that service is not just about grand gestures but also the small, thoughtful ways we show up for one another.
 
A profound love for people defined Hon Ssegirinya’s life. Whether through his charitable efforts, his advocacy for better healthcare or his tireless work to improve lives in his constituency, he never wavered in his commitment to serving humanity. He believed in fighting for the voiceless, the sick, and the needy something he often said was his divine calling.
 
As he often said, we will not write “Rest in Peace” for him but rather, “Fight Hard.” May the angels receive you, brother, and may your legacy of compassion and service live on in the countless lives you touched.
 
You will be deeply missed, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. You were a shining example of what it means to put Service Above Self.