Families reconcile at comedian Bitama's burial

By Carol Kasujja

The two families that have been feuding over the paternity of local comedian Ssali Kasozi popularly known as Paddy Bitama on Monday reconciled at his burial, putting to rest the nine-day controversy.

As Bitama’s body was interred in the grave at the ancestral home in Mitala Maria, along Masaka Road, Richard Ssali, the heir of the late Tamale Ssali said they had buried the hatchet in order to bury the deceased.

“I am grateful that Njegula’s family has accepted us and we apologise for whatever happened. I have been with Paddy since childhood so it was hard for me to accept that he was just a half-brother.

 I request all my relatives to come together because we have children to look after,” Ssali said.

Visibly overcome by grief, Peter Njegula Kasozi thanked the Government Analytical Laboratory, Uganda Police, Amarula family and Vision Group print and electronic media platforms for investigating and documenting the case until the conflict was resolved.

(PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Oneal)

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Former FDC president Rtd. Col. Kizza Besigye paid tribute to the fallen comedian.

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The widows of Paddy Bitama at the funeral service in Mitala Maria.

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Bitama's children were engulfed in grief at his send-off on Monday.

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The death of local comedian Paddy Bitama was followed by a dispute over his paternity.

Paddy Bitama, 34, a popular comedian, died of cancer two weeks ago at the Mulago Cancer Institute.

At the solemn occasion attended by hundreds, politicians turned Bitama’s burial into a political rally of sorts when they blamed the Government for his early demise.

The former FDC president, Kizza Besigye, said the Government spends huge sums of money to fight wars in South Sudan when the same can be used to equip Mulago Cancer Institute.

“Cancer is on the increase yet we have only one hospital in Uganda treating it. The Government should stop injecting money into wars and improve the cancer institute or build more hospitals with facilities,” Besigye said.

Bitama at a glance

Born on April 17, 1980, to Peter Njegula Kasozi of Magele and the late Ssanyu Nalukwata. He went to Makerere Nursery, St Joseph’s Primary School and Bat Valley Primary School.

He later joined Nansana Church of Uganda where he completed his primary education. He joined Bright Academy Senior Secondary School in 1998 where he studied his O’level.

He has done different jobs including being a radio presenter, comedian and a politician. He is survived by four children from different mothers.