VP ALUPO | BUGANDA | SSEKADDE

KAMPALA - The Vice-President of Uganda, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo has paid tribute to the people of Buganda for their great friendship and hospitality. 

She expressed strong admiration for Buganda’s rich culture, which she said can be used to promote unity. 

Alupo made many people laugh as she narrated the story of how her former parliamentary colleague, Rose Namayanja hosted her in Luweero for a function and during the visit, she taught her how to eat Luwombo, which she had never tested before.

“Buganda is the face of Uganda. Many people from various parts of our country come to the Capital City, Kampala to work in government offices and factories and all of them are received well and given the opportunity to co-exist with others in the communities,” Alupo said.

The Ssekkaddes with their entourage after their golden jubilee thanksgiving service at Namirembe Cathedral on Sunday. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

The Vice-President nonetheless expressed concern at the somewhat volatile relationship between Buganda and the central government. 

She compared the relationship to a road, which has humps, uphill and downhill, but still leads those that use it to their destination. 

She thus urged the people of Buganda to remain focused and committed to the noble objectives of the government, even when, sometimes, the relationship between the two institutions is not at its best.

“Buganda has been journeying well with the government. So, please, don’t make a complete departure when an issue comes up. Look for a place of convergence,” said Alupo.

The Ssekadde's cut a cake in celebration of their marital golden jubilee.

She was delivering her remarks during the thanksgiving service for the 50th marriage anniversary of the Bishop Emeritus of Namirembe diocese, the Most Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde and his wife, Maama Allen Ssekadde. The function took place at Namirembe Cathedral.

The Vice-President represented President Yoweri Museveni, who had been invited to the function but could not attend due to state commitments. 

The President congratulated Bishop Ssekadde and his wife Maama Allen Ssekadde and gave the couple sh20m, which the Vice-President handed over to the couple during the service.

Bishop Ssekadde’s thanksgiving service was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu. 

In attendance were also several other Anglican Prelates, including Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of Namirembe Diocese, Bishop James Bukomeko of Mityana Diocese, Bishop James William Ssebaggala of Mukono Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Hannington Mutebi (assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese), Bishop Elidard Nsubuga of Luweero diocese, Bishop Michael Lubowa of Central Buganda Diocese, Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale of West Buganda Diocese, Bishops Emeritus George Sinnabulya (Central Buganda), Dr. Wilson Mutebi (Mityana) and Dr. Dunstan Copliano Bukenya (Mukono) also graced the service.

The Ssekaddes display their 50th marriage anniversary certificate during their thanksgiving service at Namirembe Cathedral.

Several dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom, including the Nabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda, the speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, the Rt. Hon. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule and Princess Dorothy Nassolo, also graced the function. 

The inspector General of Government, Hon. Beti Olive Namisango Kamya and the state minister for ICT, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa, also graced the function.

The Guest Preacher, Bishop Emeritus Stephen Mwangi (from Nakuru, Kenya) spoke highly of Bishop Ssekadde’s heart-rooted friendship and commitment to Christian salvation and urged Christians to emulate him.

Boshop Ssekkadde and his wife Maama Allen thanked the Christians, their relatives, friends and all people of good will for their love and support.

After the service at the Cathedral, the Ssekaddes hosted their guests at a reception at the premises of Mengo Teachers Society, Rubaga (in Rubaga Division).