Senior presidential advisor on defence Gen. Salim Saleh has challenged people who claim to love former legislator and artiste Paul Kato Lubwama to continue contributing funds towards his foundation to help the family and his projects. 

Saleh says people should not stop at praising Lubwama for his immense contribution towards the entertainment industry, but become practical by contributing more money to complete his projects.  

In addition to his earlier contribution of shillings 50 million for the burial expenses, Saleh contributed shillings 10 million towards the Kato Lubwama Foundation and said he wanted people to put in more money to practically show appreciation for what he contributed during his lifetime.  

This was contained in his message delivered by his aide, Maj. Herbert Ndiwalana at Kato Lubwama's burial in Kalagala, Nkozi in Mpigi district on Wednesday, after a weeklong mourning. 

Lubwama, who was born on September 16, 1970, died on June 7, 2023, at Stana Medical Centre in Bunamwaya due to heart complications. 

He was an actor, comedian, musician and politician who subscribed to Democratic Party's Solida faction. He gained popularity for his acting and comedy performances both at CBS FM and in theatre before joining politics and was elected Lubaga South MP in 2016. He, however, lost his second bid at the seat in 2021.   

The mammoth crowd at the burial

The burial was attended by a big crowd that included politicians, artistes and relatives and friends. Politicians mainly from the Opposition used the burial ceremony to unleash all their grievances and complaints. 

Several government ministers attended the burial and were led by Gen. Katumba Wamala (works). Others were Vincent Ssempijja (defence), Dr JC Muyingo (state for higher education), Peace Mutuzo (state for gender) and Kabuye Kyifatogabye (state for Kampala affairs).

Uganda’s ambassador to Turkey, Nusura Tiperu and National Resistance Movement party national vice-chairperson (Buganda) Kiwanda Ssuubi, among other government officials attended the burial.

Many of these officials were also given a platform to speak at the ceremony, commending Lubwama for having had friends from the Opposition and the Government. Speeches took most of the day’s programme until past 6:30pm when the National Unity Party Platform (NUP) party president Robert Kyagulanyi spoke.

Lubwama’s body was lowered into the grave four minutes to 7:00pm as per the traditional norms regarding twins. The Baganda traditions dictate that a father of twins (Ssalongo) and twins are buried after sunset.   

Money contributions

• President Yoweri Museveni (undisclosed) Wamala delivered the envelope
• Ssempijja — shillings four million
• Sophia Namutebi aka Maama Fiina — shillings seven million
• Hammis Kiggundu — shillings 10 million
• Hassan Basajjabalaba — shillings 10 million
• Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo, who led the prayers — shillings five million
• Pastor Wilson Bugembe — shillings one million
• Bobi Wine — shillings one million
• Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago — shillings two million
• Victoria University — shillings two million delivered by Dr Lawrence Muganga  
• Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among — shillings 10 million
• Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa — shillings 10 million
• Democratic Party — shillings five million
• DP national treasurer Babirye Kabanda — shillings one million
• Among many other contributions.  
• Mariam Ndagire, an artiste and former colleague of Kato Lubwama said they received over shillings 600 million and thanked everyone who showed him love.