Prayer Drama At Kiseego's Burial

By Hassan Badru Zziwa, The Monitor (Kampala), 15 August 2000

Kampala—Hundreds of mourners braved the scorching sun to bid farewell to SC Villa Chairman (Technical) Alex Kiseego Mugerwa at Kyamabaale, Kibinge.

Before Kiseego's remains could be rested in his grave, drama ensued as the usual religious rituals could not performed—despite the presence of several Catholic priests.

Ekitiibwa kya Buganda (Buganda's anthem) was sung as SC Villa players led by skipper Magid Musisi lowered the casket into the grave.

According to relatives, Kiseego (54) did not believe in religion and he wrote the same in his Will. He, reportedly, had also wanted to be buried on the very day he died.

As several wreaths were laid on his grave, mourners sung different Buganda songs which in the past accompanied late Buganda kings.

Earlier, several mourners led by Buganda Katikkiro Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere and Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister Gerald Sendaula, had praised the late Kiseego.

He was man of the people and trustworthy, his good works speak for themselves. He has set up an example which all of us should emulate, said Ssemwogerere, who also delivered Kabaka Mutebi's message.

Sendaula on his part said the people of Masaka had lost a great man who had been helpful to many in trouble.

He has been a good sportsman and to crown it all a politician—it's a big blow to the people of Masaka, he said.

SC Villa's President Franco Mugabe described Kiseego as a man who believed in discussion—for the seven years he was his (Mugabe's) No.2 at the club.

Other speakers included; Sembabule MP Sam Kutesa, Statewide Insurance MD Joseph Kiwanuka and Masaka LC V boss and Vincent Sempijja.

The burial was also attended by Uganda's Ambassador to India and a brother-in-law to the late Joseph Tomusange, President Museveni's Principal Private Secretary Hilda Musubira, FUFA boss Denis Obua, Chairman of Namboole Management Committee Henry Balamaze Lwanga and several sports personalities in the country.

SC Villa sent a condolence message with Shs 800,000, KCC FC too sent Shs 100,000.

Kiseego passed away on Sunday morning at Mulago Cancer Institute. He is survived by a wife and seven children.