President Yoweri Museveni expressed his condolences for the passing of Edward Ssekandi’s son, Alex Kayanja, who died at the age of 37 on October 13. Alex Kayanja succumbed to multiple organ failure at Rubaga Hospital in Kampala and was laid to rest in Bulegeya Village, Kyanamukaka Sub-County, Bukoto Central, Masaka District.
Vice President Jessica Alupo represented President Museveni at the funeral and conveyed the President’s sadness upon hearing the news of Kayanja’s death. The President extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of his family, the Government, the NRM party, and the entire nation to H.E. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and his family during this difficult time.
President Museveni expressed solidarity with Ssekandi and prayed that the Almighty God grant them strength and courage to overcome this moment of grief and loss. He also drew comfort from Christian teachings, emphasizing that believers have hope of eternal life.
In addition to his condolences, President Museveni contributed 10 million Ugandan shillings towards the funeral expenses.
The grief-stricken Ssekandi and his wife, Margaret, were too distraught to speak at the funeral, and their speeches were read to the mourners by their children. Ssekandi described Kayanja as not only his son but also his advisor and best friend. Margaret expressed how their son had brought joy and laughter to their family.
One of the children, Fiona Ssekandi, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about alcohol addiction, as it had taken her brother’s life. She stressed the need for the government to establish and support rehabilitation centers, emphasizing that alcoholism should be viewed as a disease rather than a lifestyle choice.
Before the funeral, a requiem mass was led by Dominic Sengooba, the Vicar General of Masaka Diocese, and attended by several dignitaries.
