Golooba upheld professionalism

“He was a professional in all his dealings. Despite the fact that he was working with a side that is fighting to reclaim different freedoms in Uganda, he was humble and took everything seriously,” eulogised Immaculate Nakalemba, the deceased Suuna Golooba’s aunt.
With a teaching background whose credentials he attained in 2007 at Kyambogo University, Golooba always noticed non-professionalism in everything that people did, criticised in the most humble way.

None like him
When he made his way to South Africa from Uganda in 2011, he had been working in Kitgum District where he had opened up a business; a business many said was always done in the most professional way.
“I am very sure People Power will never get such a person in the struggle. He always treated people in the most respectful way and always criticised where it required,” Nakalemba said.

Golooba worked at as a mobiliser and key contributor to the People Power movement in their social media platform dubbed, Ekyooto, which is co-owned by counterparts in Canada and USA. He was a contributor and administrator of Ekyooto live, the Facebook page for Ekyooto, an online platform for a section of Ugandans based in South Africa.
On June 24, the staunch supporter and mobiliser of Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was involved in a car accident in the wee hours of the Monday morning and passed on as he was rushed to the hospital in South Africa.

Others say
Those who received the news were left in shock as they eulogised him as a kind, peaceful man. There were no reports of him attacking anybody on social media platforms, despite being an ardent blogger and social media fanatic.
In an emotional message Bobi Wine posted on his social media platforms, he says: “On the weekend, we lost four strong People Power supporters in a road accident in Mabira Forest. Before we could recover from such an unspeakable loss, we got news of the untimely passing of our friend, soldier and strong pillar Suuna Golooba Omulangira, yet again in a motor accident in South Africa. It is painful beyond words to see young people die, especially at such a time when their nation needs them most. More so if such deaths are avoidable. I pass on my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends, as well as the Ekyooto Uganda team. Bro, fare thee well! I am glad that you did not sit down and wait. You chose to wake up each day speaking about how to make our country better and we shall continue that work as long as we live.

On June 30, Golooba was laid to rest in Kabuwoko Village in Masaka District amid a sombre mood and mammoth crowds wearing red berets and chanting different People Power slogans.

Humble
Patricia Ssewungu, one of the leaders of the Ekyooto group, said: “Golooba has been a staunch member and mobiliser for the People Power movement. He has been an integral member of people power in South Africa.”
“A humble, kind and committed young man, Golooba shall be dearly missed by the Ekyooto family, the followers and subscribers of Ekyooto Live, and the people power movement in South Africa. We shall miss his professionalism on the team,” Sewungu added.

Who is Suuna Golooba?
At the burial ceremony on on June 30, Golooba’s siblings said they had all their hope in their brother and the future of the family rested on the shoulders of the fallen middle aged man.
At 35, Golooba had already acquired some assets for the family and he left many accomplishments hanging in balance before competition.
“We always knew if we did not have anything, he would come and sort it. He had promised to transform our family but our expectation has been short lived and he is no more. We don’t know whether we shall have anyone to replace him,” Nakalemba said.

In brief
Born on January 7, 1984, Golooba was the youngest of his five siblings brought up by their parents Aloysious Kateregga and Maria Harriet Nalukenge of Kyotera District. Golooba went to St John Primary School in Koboko District and St John Secondary School for his O and A-Levels before joining Kyambogo University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Luganda.
Before going to Kitgum where he ran a private business, Golooba taught at St John SS for three years. When an opportunity to work in South Africa as a Luganda teacher to the Ugandans living in the country came up, he swiftly took it up. He is survived by two children; Alvis Jjuunju, 8 and Alicia Nasuuna, 5.