Dad taught me hard work, says Bobi Wine
Bobi Wine (R) at his father JW Ssentamu’s requiem mass at Holy Trinity Church, Kamwokya Catholic Parish yesterday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
What you need to know:
During the requiem mass that took place at Holy Trinity Church, Kamwokya Catholic Church, Bobi Wine broke down while eulogising his father who he described as an “inspirational icon and teacher to those that were close to him”.
Kampala- Residents of Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb, yesterday paid their last respects to Mzee Jackson Willington Ssentamu, 80, a father to singer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
During the requiem mass that took place at Holy Trinity Church, Kamwokya Catholic Church, Bobi Wine broke down while eulogising his father who he described as an “inspirational icon and teacher to those that were close to him”.
“He was a well-respected and hardworking man. He is the reason I am what I am today. Mzee taught us to be hardworking and be respectable in society and above all, he taught us that humility is key for a businessman to be successful,” the teary singer told the congregation yesterday morning before reiterating that his father was a “real African man” who fathered more than 30 children.
Fred Nyanzi, better known as chairman Nyanzi, chairman Quarter Africa Zone, Kamwokya, who is also Bobi Wine’s elder brother, shared with the congregation his fond memories of their father.
“We were all in the National Resistance Party (NRM) but I later defected to Democratic Party (DP) but this never came between the two of us.
He respected my political choice and never let our political party differences get in the way of our father-son relationship. He was truly a respectable man,” Nyanzi told mourners.
Mzee Ssentamu died on Tuesday morning at Mulago hospital after he succumbed to diabetes.
He had been battling several illnesses since last year. He will be laid to rest today at his ancestral home in Kanoni, Gomba District.
