President Yoweri Museveni said that Former Democratic Party (DP) President Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere still had a lot to contribute despite dying at the age of 90.
"It is, therefore, a pity that our Compatriot, Mzee Ssemogerere left us at this time. Although 90 years old, he still had a lot he could have contributed," President Museveni tweeted Tuesday afternoon.
Ssemogerere died on Friday, November 18.
According to Museveni, when he was at Ntare School, he joined efforts with other students to invite him to speak to students.
Unfortunately, we could not agree on some crucial points. During the bush war of 1981-86, we remained on good terms with DP. In 1986, after our victory, we invited the DP, CP and even UPC, to join a Government of National Unity. https://t.co/8tBM0LIMnb
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) November 22, 2022
"Therefore, in spite of our evolving thinking, in 1966, working with Hon. John Kawanga who was our roommate and classmate at Ntare came to the DP Headquarters and invited the Rt. Hon. Paulo Ssemogerere to come to the school and talk to us," Museveni, who was then a DP sympathiser said.
"Mzee Ssemogerere, Humphrey Luande (MP and Trade Unionist) and I travelled together in one of the mini-bus combis that had been given to DP, reportedly, by the West German Government of Chancellor Adenauer, to Mbarara, where the two leaders addressed the students," he went on.
"I linked up, again, with Paulo in 1980, during the post-Amin period, when he delegated Tiberio Okeny and others to negotiate with us the possible merger of DP with Fronasa. I even attended the inaugural meeting of DP at the Grand Imperial Hotel."
The president said he remained on good terms with the former DP leader during the bush war and even invited him to work with the government after taking over power.
" During the bush war of 1981-86, we remained on good terms with DP. In 1986, after our victory, we invited the DP, CP and even UPC, to join a Government of National Unity," he said.
"Paulo Muwanga nominated Stanislaus Okurut to join the Cabinet. Many DP leaders joined the Unity Government: Paulo Ssemogerere, Ponsiano Mulema, Ssebaana Kizito etc., etc. I salute their contribution."
Ssemogerere served in some senior positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs etc.
"I salute them for their contribution to the stability of the country on account of that responsible behaviour. Recently, we reached an agreement with DP and with UPC earlier to work together in a broad-based Government. I salute the two Parties for that responsible behaviour," Museveni said.
"The NRM is always ready to dialogue with other political forces on the whole spectrum of philosophy, ideology and strategy of politics in Africa, Uganda and the World. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace."
