Kampala Woman Member of Parliament, Shamim Malende, and her estranged husband, Shamil Ssebunya, are embroiled in a highly public and increasingly acrimonious dispute, with both parties accusing each other of betrayal, property theft, and personal intimidation following the collapse of their marriage.
The marital fallout exploded into the public sphere on Friday when Hon. Malende released an emotional video statement confirming the end of their relationship and detailing what she described as a campaign of harassment and control by Ssebunya.
“I am living in captivity. My life is under threat because of constant intimidation,” Malende stated, adding that the situation had become “deeply depressing” and left her fearing for her safety.
The legislator alleged that Ssebunya had taken over her verified Facebook page with over 250,000 followers, seized another newly created account, and confiscated two vehicles — a Toyota Harrier (UBK 862) and a Toyota Super Custom (UBD 850N).
She further claimed that some issues were too sensitive to disclose publicly, citing cultural values:
“There’s a lot behind the curtains. I’m holding back out of dignity as a Muganda woman.”
Malende also warned the public against engaging with Ssebunya, saying they had gone their separate ways and that anyone working with him did so at their own risk.
“I now inform the country and people of Kampala that whoever is working with my now former husband, you do so at your own risk.”
The MP appealed to Ugandan tech experts to help her regain control of her hijacked online platforms, while also requesting public prayers for strength and safety.
“This is a life-saving intervention we must all embrace to secure a healthier future for our children and generations to come,” she said.
Ssebunya Responds
In a swift rebuttal, Shamil Ssebunya dismissed Malende’s claims as false and instead accused her of being the aggressor. Speaking to BBS TV, Ssebunya claimed that it was the MP who had orchestrated the removal of all their household property from their shared home.
“There are two individuals who came here and uploaded all the house properties which were in the house and took them off. It’s as if that lady wants to see me fallen completely,” he said, while giving a televised tour of what he claimed was an emptied residence.
He accused Malende of tarnishing his name and vowed to fight for justice.
“All that is being said about me is false,” Ssebunya added.
The escalating personal feud has sparked wide public debate, with supporters on both sides weighing in across social media.
While many have expressed solidarity with Malende, citing concerns over digital safety and emotional abuse, others have pointed to Ssebunya’s counterclaims as evidence that the situation may be more complex than initially perceived.
As the fallout unfolds in the public eye, questions continue to swirl around privacy, digital ownership, and the strain of personal disputes under public scrutiny.
