Kabaka’s adviser dies
Hajj Mahabuba Ssemakalu speaking during a function in 2013 in Bukomansimbi district. Courtesy Photo
KAMPALA. Kabaka Ronald Mutebi has lost one of his advisers on matters of the kingdom, Mr Mahabuba Ssemakalu. Mr Ssemakalu who was 83 years at the time of his death passed away yesterday night at Platinum Hospital, Kampala.
Mr Ssemakalu’s brother and the CBS Managing Director, Mr Kaddu Kiberu said the deceased died of cancer of the liver.
Ssemakalu had two homes, in Kawempe Division and Mbulile village, Masaka, where he will be buried today at 3pm.
According to Mr Kiberu the deceased served twice in the Buganda Lukiiko at various positions, first as a member of the Lukiiko in 1962 up to 1963.
He also served as the deputy speaker cum speaker after the demise of the speaker Sheikh Ali Kulumba in the early 1990s.
Mr Ssemakalu was also the founder of the defunct Uganda Foam Industries in 1972, which collapsed in the early 1990s.
He was among the instrumental figures that formed the Buganda Charter that negotiated for the restoration of the Buganda Kingdom, says Mr Kiberu.
“Buganda Kingdom has lost a pillar that will take long to be replaced. My brother [Mr Ssemakalu] has groomed so many instrumental figures in the kingdom including the current Katikkiro,” Mr Kiberu said.
Buganda Kingdom spokesperson, Mr Dick Kasolo, said the deceased has been an outstanding pillar in advising Kabaka Mutebi about Buganda matters, since he had served the kingdom way back during the reign of Sir Edward Frederick Muteesa II.
He said the deceased served Kabaka Muteesa II until the government of Milton Obote attacked the Lubiri in 1963, deposing the reigning king and later abolishing kingdoms in Uganda.
“Buganda has greatly missed a diligent person. He has been so instrumental in serving the Kabaka,” Mr Kasolo said in a telephone interview.
Mr Kiberu said the deceased is survived by two wives and a number of children and grandchildren.
