HON. (DR) JOHN SSEBAANA KIZITO "GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN"

1934 - 2017

John Ssebaana Kizito (12 September 1934 – 3 July 2017) was a Ugandan businessman, economist and politician. He was the president of the Democratic party (DP) in Uganda from 2005 to 2010. Kizito was a member of the University Council of Ndejje. He was reported to be one of the wealthiest people in Uganda, having sizable holdings in real estate and insurance.

Ssebaana was a disciplined entrepreneur – Museveni

His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has described Late Sebaana Kizito as someone who was very disciplined entrepreneur who advocated for non-frictional politics.

The president said this when he visited Late Sebaana Kizito’s Family in Kampala to condole with them and pay his last respects.

“He was a social person who loved everybody regardless of who they were. He was close to my father Amos Kaguta.

Once, he came with his wife to Nakasero to see MZEE Kaguta. They bypassed me and when I asked, they said they had known each other while i was in the bush,the President disclosed.

“I commend him and Paul Kawanga Semogerere for their role in DP, helping shape and change Uganda. Sebaana was a minister and served this country greatly. May his Soul rest in peace “, Said the President.

KCCA moves to name Road after former Mayor Ssebaana

The Kampala capital city authority council (KCCA) has this Morning moved to name Nakivubo Press Road after former mayor  and Democratic Party president emeritus late Ssebaana John Kizito .

Ssebaana who died early this morning of stroke at Nakasero Hospital was the 17th mayor of KCCA in 1999 and he is remembered for constructing Nakivubo channel.

He also constructed some roads and bought the land where KCCA is currently conducting farming.

 

While moving the motion, the current lord mayor of Kampala Salongo Erias Lukwago says that some roads in Kampala to date lack clear names while others were named after African leaders who are not even known to Ugandans something that forced most Councilors selected Nakivubo press road since it’s the channel, the late put emphasis on.

Speaking to the Kawempe councilor Muhammad Ssegirinya, described Ssebaana as an incredible leader with a unique character that welcomes everyone regardless of the political party.

The council later observed a minute’s silence in honour of Ssebaana, who was also a Minister in the Government of Uganda, President of the Democratic Party and a prominent businessman and entrepreneur.

Parliament hails Ssebaana as advocate of peace, democracy

“He left a trail of positive accomplishments in all levels and positions held,” the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said  his eulogy to John Ssebaana Kizito, the former Mayorin of Kampala.

In a special sitting held Thursday, 6th July 2017, Parliament paid tribute to John Ssebaana Kizito, who lost battle to a stroke at Nakasero Hospital on Monday.

This was the fourth time Parliament was paying tribute to a former leader of the Democratic Party, one of the Opposition parties in the House since December. Parliament has also held special sittings to honour Hon. Boniface Byanyima, Hon. Mathias Nsubuga and Hon. Maria Mutagamba.

Ssebaana Kizito participated in pre and post-independence struggles of Uganda before serving in various positions in government and Parliament including: the East African Legislative Assembly, National Insurance Corporation; Member of Parliament, Minister and Shadow Minister; Leader of the Opposition; Constituent Assembly Delegate; Minister in various capacities; and President General of the Democratic Party.

Dr. Rugunda hailed the deceased for his conviction for a better Kampala, Uganda and Africa; saying that Ssebaana never allowed political differences to stand in the way of serving Uganda.

“He played an important role in the struggle that brought in the NRM, and we continued to work together. Ssebaana has a special place in Uganda’s democracy having made a contribution during the Constituent Assembly,” said Dr. Rugunda.

“He was a strong advocate for democratic governance and contributed to the development of multiparty politics in Uganda,” said Rugunda, who added that Ssebaana served with dedication and patriotism.

The Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju (FDC, Kira Munic.) said that Ssebaana devoted his life to democracy and identified causes that were worth dying for.

“He dedicated almost his entire life fighting for democracy and good governance for Uganda; and as he did so, he never injured anyone,” said Ssemujju.

Legislators said that Ssebaana had inspired and motivated them into joining politics.

Hon. Obua Hamson (NRM, Ajuri) said Ssebaana was impressed by his contribution during a Children’s Mock Parliament held to generate views about the rights of children.

“He shaped my political future. He told me ‘you did well, you have a bright future,’” said Hon. Obua.

Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi (DP, Butambala) praised Ssebaana for his love for both Buganda and the country.

Hon. Moses Kasibante (Ind., Rubaga North) said the deceased was “truthful in politics and trustworthy in business” and left a legacy for retiring from his various positions held.

The body of the late Ssebaana lay in state for public viewing at Parliament Building before the special sitting in the afternoon, which was attended by former MPs and political party leaders.

Parliament resolved to convey deep condolences to Ssebaana’s family, relatives, friends and Ugandans upon his death; and appreciate his distinguished service rendered to the country.

Kabaka mourns Ssebaana Kizito

The Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II said that the Kingdom will miss John Ssebaana Kizito who promoted Sports in the Kingdom.  

At Namirembe Cathedral

Hon. Amama Mbabazi

Deputy Chief Justice Kavuma

In his written message delivered by the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, at Namirembe Cathedral, during Ssebana’s funeral service, the Kabaka described Ssebana as a special Buganda Kingdom official who advised the kingdom on a number of issues. “He was a great advisor to us, and an honest leader. I want to console the family and the country at large for such a big loss,” the Kabaka said in a statement. He urged Ugandans, to emulate Ssebana, who he described as a successful businessman by starting up income generating ventures for increased employment opportunities and economic development of the country. Two weeks before Ssebana’s death, the Kabaka who has been a personal friend, visited the deceased at Nakasero Hospital Kampala, where he died on Monday

Hon. Norbert Mao the president general of the Democratic Party  

At the funeral service, Joseph Kizito who represented the family, described the deceased as a loving father who balanced politics, family and business. “He was a self-made man, Daddy made sure that family was always the first, he loved us so dearly, he never missed any of our visitation during school time, despite his busy schedule,” Kizito said.

Members of the Democratic Party

  Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Major General Mugisha Muntu (FDC), Dr. Kizza Besigye at Namirembe Cathedral 

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga with Ssebaana Kizito at his residence.  

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga commended Hon. John Ssebaana Kizito as a super-achiever person who is having a great idea to assemble a team to execute a successful business and this has separated him from dreamers and entrepreneurs.

Mayiga who had paid a courtesy visit to Ssebaana at his home in Kansanga said he has seen Ssebaana Kizito since 1991 but he is not easily diverted from his point of view.

Owek.John Ssebaana Kizito had been bedridden for a period of time due to a paralyzed leg.

The premier said “we need to be consistent in what we do if we are to progress”.

He expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation to Ssebaana Kizito for his services he renders to the Kingdom of Buganda characterised with honesty, sense of humour, confidence and commitment. Ssebaana Kizito has been one of the two proprietors of State Wide Insurance Company (swico).