Parliament Pays Tribute to Late Dr. Paul Ssemogerere

Parliament has paid tribute to the late Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, the former President of the Democratic Party for his eminent and dedicated service to the Republic of Uganda.  

The mover of the motion, PM Nabbanja described Dr. Ssemogerere as a firm advocate and promoter of democracy in the Democratic Party.   “Ssemogerere was a dedicated and dignified leader who immeasurably participated and contributed in shaping the pre and post-independence democratic governance and political leadership of Uganda,” Nabbanja said.  This was during the Thursday plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Hon Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) who seconded the motion, thanked government for granting Dr. Ssemogerere an official burial, saying he rightly deserved it.

“The late was a vanguard of democracy and rule of law even in circumstances of extreme disagreements,” Sseggona said.    

Hon Richard Lumu (Mityana South) said Dr. Ssemogerere was a strong advocate of federalism as the only pathway to achieve balanced economic development in the country.  

Hon Rose Nantongo (Kyotera District), the only female DP MP in the 11th Parliament described Dr. Ssemogerere as a leader who derived his joy in mentoring the young generation.

“That is why many of the young leaders in parliament passed through his hands,” she said.

Dr. Ssemogerere was born on February 11th, 1932 at the Bumangi Catholic Mission in Ssese islands present day Kalangala District to the late Joseph Bagenda Kapere and the late Maria Lwiza Namwendero. He served as President of DP for 25 years, making him the longest-serving leader.

From 1986-1995, Dr. Ssemogerere was appointed and served as Minister for Internal Affairs, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Affairs, and later Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service under the NRM government.