Hundreds of mourners from across Uganda gathered at Kikondere Church of Uganda Primary School playground in Butenga Sub-county, Bukomansimbi District, on Tuesday to bid farewell to King David Junior School director Tadeo Ssekadde, who was laid to rest at his ancestral home.
Ssekadde died in the Kapchorwa road crash while returning from a school trip with pupils. The accident claimed the lives of more than 23 pupils and two adults, while dozens of others sustained injuries.
During the funeral service, Apostle Kitonde Kijja Wilson of Anointed Churches Uganda described Ssekadde as a devoted Christian who dedicated his life to serving God, educating children and transforming communities.
"Ssekadde has died as a witness of Christ because he dedicated his life to serving others. We thank God for the life he lived and the impact he made," Apostle Wilson said.
Pastor Geoffrey Tumwebaze of God's Healing Centre Church in Kikondere said Ssekadde remained committed to supporting both the church and the wider community.
"He never forgot his roots. He was always ready to support the church and uplift those in need. His death is a great loss to this community," Tumwebaze said.
Bukomansimbi South Member of Parliament Hassan Mukiibi Sserunjogi condemned the misuse of social media by people who ridicule victims of tragedy.
"When families are mourning, it is wrong for anyone to use social media to mock or spread insensitive content. We should instead stand together and comfort those who have lost their loved ones," Sserunjogi said.
Leaders attending the burial called on the government to improve road infrastructure and strengthen emergency health services to reduce deaths resulting from road crashes.
Teachers from King David Junior School appealed to the government, development partners and well-wishers to support pupils who are still receiving treatment in different hospitals following the accident.
Chairperson of the Association of Directors of Private Schools, Elton Joseph Mabirizi, pledged that education stakeholders would work together to ensure the school continues operating despite the loss of its founder.
"We shall stand with the school management and the family to ensure that Mr. Ssekadde's dream of educating children lives on," Mabirizi said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ssekadde's widow, Pross Ssekadde, and their children described him as a loving husband, caring father and hardworking man whose legacy would endure.
Residents, led by Butenga Sub-county councillor Claudia Nandawula, praised Ssekadde for investing in education and creating employment opportunities for many young people in Bukomansimbi District.
"He gave hope to many families by employing young people and supporting community development. His absence will be deeply felt," Nandawula said.
Mourners also thanked the people of Kapchorwa for the support and solidarity they extended to the victims and bereaved families in the aftermath of the crash.
Tadeo Ssekadde, who was born to the late George William Kiyinji and Gorret Nakuya, died at the age of 51.
He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kikondere Village, Butenga Sub-county, Bukomansimbi District.
