Former DP President is dead

Former DP president Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere is dead. Born on February 11, 1932, Ssemogerere has died at 90.

Ssemogerere collapsed and died on his bed this morning at around 4 am at his Rubaga home in Kampala.

One of his relatives said Ssemwogerere’s health  worsened last night at around 10 pm before his doctor was called to check on him, but later left.

Nevertheless, he remained unstable throughout the night until the wee hours of this morning after returning from the bathroom when he collapsed and was pronounced dead moments later.

Family sources  further reveal that Ssemwogerere has been struggling with sickness for some time following his successful surgery to clear an intestinal obstruction about two years ago. They hailed him as a great pillar of their family.

Some members of the oldest political party, the Democratic Party (DP) have suggested that their former leader and presidential candidate Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere be given a state burial.

DP member and Buikwe South MP Dr. Lulume Bayiga says the deceased is an icon of peace and progress and thus needs to be honored for his contribution for guiding the country.

According to Dr. Lulume, Ssemogerere has been the key in diversity dialogue where all officials from the opposition and the ruling government discuss ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

Ssemogerere contested for presidency in the disputed 1980 general elections that were won by Milton Obote’s UPC party.

He also served under President Museveni’s government after he took over power in the 1986 coup. The fallen politician served as deputy prime minister and minister for foreign and internal affairs and also public service minister.