‘Mzee made us see the world for what it is’

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The family and friends of Mzee Christopher Disan Ssemakula Kityo are suffering the pain of his demise on August 30. Kityo, who was known in Nkumba, Abaita-Ababiri and Entebbe, was a committed footballer in the 1960s. 

He was also the national football referee in the 1970s, which inspired one of his children, Ronald Vvubya, to join the Uganda Cranes and Villa Sports Club. 

Residents said he was the first Ugandan businessman in Abayita-Ababiri, Nkumba and Entebbe to deal in school uniforms and many thronged his shop. 

Kityo believed in community service, which led him to start a postal service in Abayita-Ababiri in the 1970s. 

Many residents used to get their letters from his shop. He was also a notable fruit and vegetable farmer; he sold his produce to different hotels. 

Kityo would also help the community to sell to his Indian friends around Entebbe, Kampala and other places. 

Kityo was born to the late Ssalongo Tito Mukiibi and Nalongo Elina Nabulya. 

He is survived by twelve children and a widow, Ruth Nabisere, 51 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was born in Kalagala village in Nakaseke, Bulemeezi. 

He got married in November 1956 and later moved to Nkumba, where he was trained as a tailor and became prominent for making suits, gomesi and uniforms.

 At his funeral, the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, shared a beautiful memory of the late Kityo, who was Anglican. “We give thanks for the treasured ministry of Mzee Kityo. 

A superb faithful, who lent his talents and used them well. He was an effective teacher of the faith. 

As a parent and a resident of Nkumba, his voice deepened an authentic understanding that led all of us to a more profound love of truth and the mystery of God,” Ssemogerere said. 

“While we grieve that he is no longer with us here, I join the family, relatives, friends and our community, in offering my profound gratitude to the Lord for the gift of his life and his service to the community. Lord, grant him eternal rest.” 

Gertrude Kityo, one of the his daughters, said: “Although our father was not a reverend, he was a very religious man, committed to his Church. 

He contributed a lot to St Apollo Kiva-Ebulaya Church of Uganda in Nkumba and St Luke in Nkumba. 

“He was a very smart man, who believed in doing voluntary work. One time, he was admitted to Kisubi Hospital, which then had mosquitoes. A month after his discharge, he went back to fumigate the mosquitoes. 

“He was a disciplined man, an entrepreneur, who taught me business when I was eight years old. I am still doing business,” she said. 

The family thanked Archbishop Ssemogerere, Bishop Ssekadde, the Rev. Herbert Zziwa and the clergy of St Luke Church Nkumba, Entebbe Grade B and Kisubi hospitals and the community of Nkumba. 

His son, Jonathan Kamya Ssemakula, said: “My daddy taught me how to work and be self-sufficient. I remember we used to grow vegetables like cabbage, which he would sell and give us pocket money for school.” 

The retired Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde described Kityo as a friend to everyone in the community of Nkumba and beyond. 

“I remember many meetings with him and I will never forget his greeting and his warm words of welcome as he took my hand between his,” he said. 

His granddaughter, Olivia Najjuma, said: “Jjajja was a man that made us see the world for what it is. He brought us up with the capability to live and survive. 

“We are sure he is resting, knowing he equipped us well to live. We will miss his counsel and will forever cherish the lessons, life and laughter we shared.” 

Kityo was laid to rest at his home in Nkumba on September 1.