Prime
Politics as Bobi Wine’s father is laid to rest
Democratic Party officials sing their anthem during the burial of Jackson Ssentamu in Gomba District yesterday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
What you need to know:
Ssentamu died on Tuesday morning at Mulago hospital after succumbing to diabetes. He is survived by more than 30 children and 100 grandchildren
Kampala.
The family of Mzee Jackson Willingston Ssentamu laid his body to rest yesterday afternoon at his ancestral home in Kanoni, Gomba District.
As a man who supported the guerilla war that got NRM into power and later joined Democratic Party (DP), politicians from the two parties were given platform to pay their last respects.
Former Gomba MP aspirant Juma Witonze told mourners that Ssentamu supported him during his campaigns.
“He was a very honourable man who respected young politicians no matter what party they were from.
Gomba as a village will miss him but I will carry Gomba forward. Let us unite and give our president another term. Museveni akyabli mboko (he is still strong),” he said.
Democratic Party president Nobert Mao was then invited to eulogise his party member.
“Unlike others who have come to solicit votes, I am here to mourn my friend. Let us not forget that God is the only permanent leader; everyone else comes and goes. Even if you say you will rule pakalast, a day will come when the Lord will call you back home,” Mr Mao preached.
Mr Mao wondered how one can “drive a car without changing gear”.
He thanked the late Mzee Ssentamu for the advice he always gave him as a party leader.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms Dorothy Nakyomyo, the deceased’s eldest daughter, said although his children had different mothers, Ssentamu made sure that they remained united.
Musician Bobi Wine reiterated, saying he has not seen a great man like his father and highlighted how Ssentamu got them an education.
“My father saved many domestic animals around Kanoni through his veterinary profession and that is why almost all of us, his children, went to school.”
Several politicians, celebrities, comedians and Mengo officials attended the burial.
Ssentamu died on Tuesday morning at Mulago hospital after succumbing to diabetes. He is survived by more than 30 children and 100 grandchildren.
