The family of Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere has rejected a government offer to accord the deceased politician a state burial.
Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda had announced that President Museveni had directed an official burial for Ssemogerere. This means that the deceased’s remains were to be taken to Kololo Ceremonial grounds for the government officials to pay their last respects.
But following a meeting between the family and Minister Babalanda on Saturday afternoon, the former revealed that the deceased willed to be granted a simple, private sendoff presided over by the Catholic Church and that his remains should not be taken to Kololo or Parliament.
President Museveni had reportedly wanted to pay his respects at Kololo from where the body would be flown by helicopter to Nkumba where Dr Ssemogerere will be laid to rest on Monday.
A requiem mass is planned at 2pm at Lubaga cathedral.
Former Lubaga North lawmaker Moses Kasibante backed the snub, reasoning that “the life of our late leader is contrary to those who now want to give a state funeral. Mr Kasibante added that “Ssemogerere has been a symbol of democratic principles—Peace, truth, Justice.”
Mr Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the House, hailed Dr Ssemogerere for not being “double-faced like many current politicians.” The LoP described the deceased as “an unwavering believer and preacher of the rule of law.”
“He preached tolerance and respect in the face of a growing culture of political intolerance, loved his Country and was a loyal and ardent supporter of his Kingdom with immense love to his king and church—the key institutions that nurtured him into those values for which the World saw and embraced him,” Mr Mpuuga said.
At a night vigil held at the home of Dr Ssemogerere in Lubaga on Friday night, Mr Mao was conspicuous by his absence. In his absence, veteran politician Dr Kizza Besigye scorned the Justice minister for choosing to work under a failed system.
“Some of you who may remember, when I was at the vigil of Dr Lulume Bayiga’s father, I foretold that DP would be taken as Museveni has taken over all other systems,” Dr Besigye said.
