Buganda hails veteran journalist John Jones Sserwanga as loyal royalist at burial
Employees of Masaka-based Radio Buddu lay wreath on the casket containing the remains of their former work colleague John Jones Sserwanga. He died aged 102 and was buried on May 15, 2025. PHOTO/MALIK FAHAD JJINGO
What you need to know:
- The Mamba clan, to which Sserwanga belonged, hailed him as a fearless royalist who once rejected a bribe from officials in Milton Obote’s government, who allegedly tried to recruit him in a plot to assassinate Kabaka Muteesa II.
Buganda Kingdom has paid tribute to veteran journalist John Jones Sserwanga, describing him as a devoted royalist who served both the monarchy and the media with distinction.
Sserwanga, who died last week aged 102, was laid to rest on Thursday at his ancestral home in Kikungwe Village, Masaka City.
He was remembered not only for his deep knowledge of Ugandan history but also for his years of service to the kingdom during the reign of Sir Edward Muteesa II.
A former member of the Kabaka’s motorcade, Sserwanga was known for riding a black motorcycle beside the monarch’s Rolls Royce.
He later pursued journalism, working with Masaka-based Radio Buddu, where he hosted a popular evening history program, Ebirwaawo Byerabirwa.
Delivering a message from the royal court, Noah Kiyimba, Buganda’s Minister for Cabinet Protocol and Special Affairs, described Sserwanga as a “kingdom patriot” whose service had been formally recognised with the Ejjinja ery’Omuwendo royal honour in 2020.
“He mentored many journalists and helped educate the public through his storytelling and journalistic work,” Kiyimba said.
Kiyimba added: “He was also a devoted Christian and community leader.”
The Mamba clan, to which Sserwanga belonged, hailed him as a fearless royalist who once rejected a bribe from officials in Milton Obote’s government, who allegedly tried to recruit him in a plot to assassinate Kabaka Muteesa II.
“It was a huge sum of money, but he refused,” said John Kyobe, the clan’s premier. “He revealed the plot, which eventually forced the Kabaka into exile in the UK, where he later died,” he explained.
Local leaders in Masaka City described Sserwanga as a humble, principled man who had served in various leadership roles, including in the Rotary Club.
“He was our elder and role model,” said Martin Kigozi, Masaka’s city physical planner and a fellow Rotary member. “We’re considering naming a road near his home in his honour.”
Sserwanga is survived by children, grandchildren, and a legacy rooted in storytelling, royal service, and integrity.
>>>Stay updated by following our WhatsApp and Telegram channels;Daily Monitor Telegram channel Daily Monitor WhatsApp Channel
