The former leader of the Democratic Party in Uganda for 25 years and one of the main players in Ugandan politics until his retirement in 2005, Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere is dead.
The cause of his death was not yet known by press time, however, we shall update you as this is a developing story.
It should be remembered that a few years ago, he collapsed during mass at Rubaga Cathedral and was rushed to Lubaga hospital.
Who is Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere?
Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere was born in 1932 in the Kalangala District of Uganda. He received a Diploma in Education from the Makerere University in Kampala, subsequently he attended Allengheny College in Meadville PA, USA, and the Maxwell School, Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, USA, where he obtained his PhD in Public Administration in 1979. Between 1957 and 1973 he taught at various colleges in Uganda.
From his early days he was actively engaged in public life. 1961-1962 he was Elected Member of the Uganda Legislative Council and afterwards of the Uganda National Assembly for the North Mengo Constituency.
Dr. Ssemogerere is member of the Ugandan Democratic Party (DP) and held various leading functions, inter alia he was the Presidential Candidate in the Ugandan General Elections of 1980 and leader of the parliamentary opposition from 1981-1985.
From 1985 to 1995 he was consecutively Minister of Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Public Service and at the same time held the post of Deputy Prime Minister. He resigned from his posts in 1996 because he was the Presidential Candidate for the mainstream opposition, but he lost against President Museveni.
Dr. Ssemogerere has also extensive experience in a variety of posts as delegate to the Organisation for African Unity (OAU). He also was Chairman of the OAU Council of Ministers from 1993 to 1994. He is currently the President of the Democratic Party and the Vice President of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA).
May His Soul Rest in Peace