Mourners from several districts, including Mbarara, Kyenjonjo, Masaka, Kampala, Kitangwenda and Kyegegwa have thronged Kikonko-Kalera village in Sheema district for the burial of Kitagwenda Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Joseph Muhoozi Ssekasamba.

Ssekasamba, who succumbed to advanced kidney failure at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital where he was attending regular dialysis treatment, was buried by hundreds of people who braved the heavy downpour yesterday (January, Sunday 22). 

The mourners included over 20 RDCs, politicians from the districts where he served, religious leaders, teachers, and old students of Mbarara High School.  

“We had almost finalised the process of helping Ssekasamba to have him flown abroad for a kidney transplant to save his life, we were waiting for President Museveni to clear the matter,” Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said in a statement.

Eulogised

Many speakers at the funeral described Ssekasamba as a pro-people man of rare character.

Babalanda, who said Ssekasamba's death was a loss to the National Resistance Movement party, promised that the state would support the dependants of Ssekasamba because he died while still on duty.

The Dean for RDC, Justine Mbabazi who doubles as the RDC, Wakiso consoles one of the close relatives of the fallen Kitangwenda RDC Deputy RDC, Joseph Muhoozi Ssekasamba at the burial.

"We shall grant his entitlements and the necessary support to his family,” she said.

Babalanda also eulogised Ssekasamba as a real statesman and mobilised, saying that his death was "very painful".  

RDCs' dean, Justine Mbabazi, said Ssekasamba died a Born-Again Christian.

“In one of my last communications with the deceased, he told me he had transformed into a Born-Again Christian and I am happy for him,” she said.

Mbabazi added that Ssekasamba had braved ill health to serve the NRM government and the people, while one of his former teachers at Mbarara High School, Peter Gumisiriza, said he identified Ssekasamba as a unique and talented student who spearheaded others in sports, academics and leadership.

"Ssekasamba was a type [of person] who did what others could not dare. He loved to accomplish whatever task came his way,” he said.

Gumusiriza, a close friend of the deceased, thanked the Government for enrolling Ssekasamba as RDC in appreciation for his selflessness when it comes to protecting the NRM government interests.

“We thank President Museveni for appreciating Ssekasamba's efforts,” he said.

Ssekasamba, a former teacher at Ngabo Secondary School in Mbarara, became popular during the race between former Mbarara MP Winnie Byanyuma and former Mbarara RDC Ngoma Ngime where he was instrumental. 

The aggressiveness of Ssekasamba attracted the attention of President Yoweri Museveni, Gen Salim Saleh and other members of the First Family including his close friend, Gen Henry Tumukunde.

Ssekasamba'S deployment in Masaka saw the NRM party sweeping the LC 1 elections in Masaka. 

He was later transferred to Kiira in Wakiso district where he served as the area RCC before he was transferred to Kenjonjo and Kitagwenda districts.