Kampala, (UG):- Members of Parliament Friday unanimously agreed to contribute Shs 300,000 each to make a total of Shs 150 million as support towards the family of the late Kawempe North MP, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya.
The fundraising took place during a special parliamentary session held on Friday, January 10, to honour Ssegirinya’s legacy.
The contributions came after Mr Bumali Mpindi, a Member of Parliament representing persons with disabilities, rallied fellow legislators to each contribute at least Shs500,000 to mobilised funds that would support Ssegirinya’s family.
Reacting to the motion, Butambala Woman MP, Ms Aisha Kabanda (NUP) shot up and persuaded colleagues in attendance to contribute at least Shs300,000 which would be used to start up a business to support the family.
“I appreciate your concern and it is regrettable. Hon Ssegirinya has served here for four years. The late Hon Oulanyah had served here for several years and was entitled to other benefits as a deceased Speaker. Therefore, he had a package,” Ms Kabanda said, adding that “Hon Ssegirinya has only been here for four years and didn’t even have time to invest for his family. You can imagine the burden that the family is going to have.”
She said if each MP were to contribute, the money would add up to Shs150 million which the family would use to start up a business. Her proposal was supported by all MPs in the plenary, including the ruling party members.
Similarly, the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among pledged to cover the tuition of Ssegirinya’s daughter, Aliyah Nagirinya for both primary and secondary education.
“For me, I can take up one kid and educate her in my school. After this, look for me and I will take up one kid. I will pay your fees and I will take you to my school,” Ms Among said to Ssegirinya’s family members seated in the visitors’ gallery as the legislators eulogised him.
Ssegirinya’s body will tonight (Friday) spend the night at his home in Kasangati and tomorrow (Saturday), be transported to Butale in Masaka, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday.
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