KAMPALA – Thousands of Buganda Kingdom subjects thronged Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala on Monday, April 15 to pay respects to the late father of the Nabagereka.
Sylvia Nagginda’s father, John Luswata Ssebugwawo, succumbed to heart and kidney complications at Nakasero Hospital, last week.
The funeral service that was led by Bishop Kityo Luwalira was attended by, among others, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Katikkiro Peter Mayiga, Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, former prime ministers of Buganda Kingdom Dan Muliika, JB Walusimbi and Mulwanyamuli Ssemogerere.
The Nabagereka criticized government for neglecting the health sector.
“The health sector touches everyone in society. I had a conversation with the Director of Mulago hospital at the time dad was admitted there and he pointed out issues related to underfunding. This is a danger to society,” she said.
She said the problems within the health sector are caused by politics.
“We have qualified people, doctors and many of whom want to stay in Uganda. They can do incredible work but they need support. Let us see how to separate politics from health sector,” Nagginda added.
The Nabagereka described her father as a loving and caring man. “We are glad despite grief to be with you. Dad loved his children and I specifically remember his usual jovial mood. He focused much on his family and exhibited respect for us all and our mother. He was a good example as a family head,” Nagginda said.
“I saw him cry for the second time in my life. When we visited the Intensive Care Unit, he opened his eyes but could not talk instead we saw tears flow. This was the second time I saw his tears, the first time being when 37 years ago he escorted me to Entebe as I left for the Unites States.”
Luswata’s widow Edith described her husband as great friend and father.
“All issues were solved in love and mutual understanding,” she said.
Mr Mayiga said Buganda should be consoled by the great gift of Nabagereka, the late Luswata has left behind.
“The 1966 crisis left Buganda bereaved and for the preceeding years after the crisis there was a split in the royal family. Luswata gave us a mother who is innovative, determined is the consolation we have at this point,” Mayiga said.
He implored Ugandans to emulate the nature of family upbringing Mr. Luswata exhibited.
“The Kabaka wouldn’t have married Nagginda if there was reckless upbringing Its our role to develop the children in the acceptable manner,” Mayiga said.
Kampala Archbishop Kizito Lwanga, in a message, asked God to comfort the family.
“I am away for official duty but I condole all of you,” he said.
Ssebugwawo will be buried today at Nkumba, two kilometres along Kasenyi Road from Abayita Ababiri.
He has left behind seven children.
Mr. Ssebugwawo studied at Kings College Budo between 1946 and 1955 before joining Kyambogo Technical College where he attained qualification in Electrical Engineering. He later joined Holborn Technical College in Central London, the United Kingdom.
He worked in the field of Electrical engineering in the ministry of works in Buganda Kingdom, Otis Company-England and Uganda Ministry of health serving as a chief electrical engineer at Mulago hospital and a superintendent of works in the hospital.
Ssebugwaawo retired from Mulago hospital in 1984 and went into farming and business establishing a prominent restaurant, JEB that he operated for 25 years with his wife.
