The once-celebrated five-year marriage between Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende and her husband, Shamil Ssebunya, has publicly ended amid serious and highly personal accusations. Both parties have independently confirmed that their relationship has irretrievably broken down, with neither holding back explosive claims against the other.
Ssebunya alleges that the marriage started to falter after he discovered suspicious messages on Malende’s phone. Despite his initial patience, he was shocked when Malende sent people to collect her belongings, marking an abrupt end to their union. He recounted humble beginnings, claiming that Malende initially had nothing besides her law degree and that he helped build their wealth, accusing her of attempting to register his vehicles under her name. He defended himself against critics who accused him of marrying for money, stating Malende had no assets when their relationship began, and that his support extended to praying for her electoral success.
On the other hand, Malende has accused Ssebunya of theft and intimidation, alleging he stole two of her vehicles—a Toyota Harrier and a Toyota Super Custom—and seized control of her crucial social media accounts, including Facebook and TikTok, severely disrupting her political mobilization efforts. She disclosed living in fear and urged her supporters for prayers and technical help to regain access to her hijacked platforms.
This public fallout has cast a spotlight on the personal hardships faced behind political careers, with both Malende and Ssebunya warning others against dealings with one another post-separation.