Goodbye Ssemwanga - Zari

PHOTOS/Moses Nsubuga

Although she told mourners at a funeral service at Namirembe Cathedral that she will not cry again over her departed ex-husband, socialite Zari Hassan was overpowered by grief as the clock ticked away for Ivan SSemwanga's burial.

The grief-stricken Zari broke down. She was comforted by his three boys and a female clergy. Her elder son held her onto his chest, assuring her ‘all will be well mummy'.

Some mourners climbed trees to take a glimpse of every moment as a coffin containing Ssemwanga's body aged 40 was lowered into the grave.  

To a man who lived his life to the fullest, magnanimous as described by many, his last journey was characterised by pomp, food and booze.  

Hundreds of Kampala businessmen, socialites, musicians, politicians thronged Kayunga to bid farewell to the president of the rich gang as he was commonly referred to.

A numbers of speaker hailed his generosity and good heart. He died of cardiac arrest last week in a South Africa hospital where he owned over 30 schools.

In a written message, the children said; "Dad, so many thoughts come to our mind whenever we speak of your name; it seems without you in our lives things will never be the same. We think of the good old days when we were still so little; consumed in your love, and in your smile."

"Those days are gone and no matter what we do, life will never be the same! Oh Dad, if only we could turn back the hands of time and hear your voice once more, but God called you to a better place, so peaceful and free of pain. And when we see you sleeping, we can only wish the best for you."