The late Ssaabalangira Godfrey Musanje Kikulwe, a former Mukono District Councillor and respected cultural leader, was on Thursday, laid to rest at his home in Kitegula Village, Kasawo Town Council, Nakifuma County amid tributes from government, Buganda Kingdom, religious leaders, and the local community.
The burial was attended by retired bishops, including Rt. Rev. James William Ssebaggala of Mukono Diocese and Rt. Rev. Jackson Matovu of Central Buganda, alongside canons, archdeacons, priests, evangelists, and Christians from different denominations who gathered to celebrate a life of service, humility, and dedication to community development.
Buganda Kingdom was represented by the Katikkiro, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, accompanied by Buganda Ministers, county chiefs led by Deputy Ssekiboobo Fred Katende, members of the Royal Clan (Olulyo Olulangira), and other cultural leaders.
The Central Government was represented by the state minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Owek. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, who delivered a message on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Also present were the Resident District Commissioner for Mukono, Hajjati Ndisaba Fatuma Nabitaka, the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, his Deputy Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, district staff, political leaders, and former council colleagues.
Speaking during the burial, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo called upon Ugandans to emulate the good conduct of the late Ssaabalangira Musanje, particularly his love for Uganda, integrity, and commitment to service, noting that such values are critical for national development. She also urged parents to instill discipline and good morals in their children, warning that declining values among the youth threaten the country’s future. As a gesture of support, she extended financial assistance of UGX 20 million to the widow, Ms. Margaret Nakimera Musanje from H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa the President of the Republic of Uganda
In his remarks, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga described the late Ssaabalangira as a dignified, humble, and selfless servant who loyally served the Kabaka and Buganda Kingdom. He emphasized that leadership without humility is difficult, praising Musanje for fulfilling his responsibilities with wisdom and integrity. The Katikkiro announced that Omulangira Fred Kateregga, who had been the Deputy Ssaabalangira, will act in the position until His Majesty the Kabaka appoints a substantive successor.
Omulangira Fred Kateregga noted that during their leadership, they worked tirelessly to strengthen and promote Buganda’s culture and traditions, ensuring they were preserved and well understood by future generations.
Religious leaders led by Retired Bishop James William Ssebaggala Bishop Jackson Matovu described the late Ssaabalangira as a patriotic Ugandan who loved his country deeply, cared for the wellbeing of others, and upheld discipline and respect. They reminded leaders that children and young people closely observe and learn from the actions of elders.
Ssaabalangira Godfrey Musanje Kikulwe was born in 1954 to Omulangira Yokaana Kikulwe and Namutebi Norah in Namyooya, Nakifuma, Naggalama Town Council. He married in the Catholic Church on 2nd June 1973, spending 53 years in marriage. He was the beloved father of Ms. Prossy Batenga, Senior Procurement Officer of Mukono District Local Government, and Ms. Gorreti Nassiwa, a Records Assistant.
He served Mukono District with distinction as District Councillor for Kasawo Sub-county during several terms: 1993–1996, 1996–2001, and 2001–2006, during which he chaired the District Health Committee. From 2006–2011, he served as Secretary for Health, and from 2011–2016, he continued as District Councillor while chairing both the Health and Education Committees. Following his appointment as Ssaabalangira, he withdrew from active politics but remained a strong pillar in community health development.
Mukono District Local Government joins Buganda Kingdom, the Government of Uganda, and the people of Kasawo in honoring the life and legacy of Ssaabalangira Godfrey Musanje Kikulwe. His unwavering commitment to public service, cultural leadership, and community health development stands as a lasting example of selfless leadership. As he is laid to rest, the district calls upon leaders and citizens alike to uphold the values of integrity, humility, patriotism, and service that defined his life. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
