"Ssemogerere was a true statesman," opposition big wigs say

Opposition leaders have paid tribute to the fallen Democratic Party (DP) stalwart, Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, describing him as a true statesman who worked hard to unite forces of change in Uganda.

Ssemogerere, the longest serving DP president general passed away at his home in Rubaga Division in Kampala on Thursday morning after being ill for a long time. He was aged 90.

Ssemogerere led the Democratic Party in the highly contested 1980 general election which was won by two-time Ugandan president Milton Obote’s UPC party.

Dr Kizza Besigye said it is very sad that Uganda's "leading icon of struggle for democracy and good governance has died."

"He never rested; never got discouraged; never got bitter; never lost his gentle smile. He remained a very consistent, upright and articulated advocate for democracy, human rights and good governance in our country and I think the whole country has benefited from his great experience and steadfastness," said Besigye.

The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine said he was shocked by the sad news, saying that words cannot describe the loss because Ssemwogerere stands tall amongst the giants of history.

"Just over a week ago, we visited our noble statesman and elder, Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere to once again feed from his cup of wisdom. Little did we know it was the last time we were having a conversation with him," Kyagulanyi said.

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago said he could not believe that his “God Father” mentor adding that he was "devastated."

The Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga said in February this year, the family of Ssemogerere asked him to record a short message about him ahead of his 90th birthday.

"Little did I know that the recording I was making was the last opportunity for me to speak about this great man, a champion of democratic governance, multipartism and rule of law in our motherland," he said.

Dr. Ssemogerere was born on 11th February 1932, at Bumangi, Buggala Island, in the Ssese Island.

In 1947 Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere joined St. Mary’s College Kisubi Junior Secondary One. He obtained the Secondary Leaving Certificate in 1949 and was admitted to Senior Secondary One in 1950. He obtained the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate in 1952.

After St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere enrolled at Makerere College, then the University College of East Africa, when it was still an affiliate of the University of London.