By Ben Musanje
A dramatic moment stole the show at the burial of Buganda’s Ssabalangira, Godfrey Kikulwe Musanje, in Kasawo, Mukono District on Thursday, when State Minister for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, publicly scolded newly-elected Nansana Municipality Member of Parliament, Blasio Zambali Mukasa, for failing to inform her about his recent electoral victory.
The moment came as Minister Ssebugwawo began delivering President Yoweri Museveni’s condolences to the bereaved family. In front of the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and a large crowd of mourners, the minister did not hold back. Her words were both stern and motherly, leaving Zambali who is a NUP member visibly caught off guard.
Zambali, a son of Kasawo village, had attended the burial, partly because of a personal connection: his mother had been assisted by the late Ssabalangira several years ago while giving birth to him. The minister and Zambali also share a professional history. Ssebugwawo, while serving as a minister in Mengo, had got connected with Zambali when he was a news anchor at Buganda Kingdom’s Central Broadcasting Service (CBS). Their bond made the delay in informing her about his political victory feel especially surprising to her though she is now NRM leaning.
In a moment that quickly became the talk of the event, Ssebugwawo openly expressed her disappointment to Zambali, asking why he had kept his achievement a secret from her to-date. Unfortunately, Zambali wasn’t given a chance to respond because the funeral program was tightly scheduled with numerous speakers.
While addressing the mourners, Minister Ssebugwawo shifted to more solemn matters, urging parents to raise disciplined children who would grow into responsible citizens. She also paid tribute to the late Ssabalangira, describing him as a close friend and a man who always kept his word, a rare quality in leadership.
In a gesture of support, she delivered President Museveni’s condolence message along with 20 million shillings to the family of the late Ssabalangira. Her presence and words added a mix of political and emotional weight to the already deeply solemn ceremony.
Ssabalangira Musanje, who had faithfully served in his role for 11 years, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. His death left a noticeable void in the Buganda royal leadership and the local community he had served as a health official.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, in his address, read a statement from Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II appointing Prince Frederick Sunday Kateregga as the Interim Ssabalangira. Prince Kateregga, who was previously the Deputy Ssabalangira, was directed to assume leadership of the Buganda Kingdom’s Royal Clan immediately until when the Kabaka will appoint a substantive Ssabalangira. The Kabaka, currently abroad, also personally contributed two cows to support the burial arrangements, underscoring the importance of the event and the respect held for the late Ssabalangira.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Joseph Walugembe, Head of Culture in the Royal Lineage, described the late Ssabalangira as a great leader, a strong pillar of the community, and someone whose absence will be deeply felt and difficult to replace. His words echoed the sentiments of many mourners who saw the late leader as not just a public figure but a personal guide and friend.
In the end, the day served as a reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of leadership, and the personal connections that shape both politics and community in Uganda. Between heartfelt tributes, royal appointments, and a public scolding, the burial of Ssabalangira Musanje became more than just a farewell—it became a moment where tradition, politics, and human emotion collided. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
