Why Besigye missed Sebaggala sendoff

Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye missed the funeral ceremony of former Kampala mayor Al hajji Nasser Ntege Seya Sebaggala in Kisaasi, Kampala on October 04.

Sebaggala died just over a week ago. His burial didn’t happen on the same day he was pronounced dead, as is the case with many Muslims.

Sheikhs have explained that the rule is not cast in stone. In fact, in his will, Sebaggala had wished to be mourned for three days.

But the family decided to extend the final sendoff for more days to allow Sebaggala’s son return from abroad.

Supporters of People Power and National Unity Platform (NUP) thronged Seya’s Kisaasi home for the burial.

By the time of his death, Sebaggala had joined NUP. He had also expressed interest in running for Kampala mayor.

NUP leader and Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine revealed that Sebaggala had asked to be vetted for the flagbearer position via Zoom.

Although politics dominated the October 04 burial, Besigye, the kingpin of opposition politics for almost two decades, was absent the event.

The four-time presidential candidate has now explained why he didn’t set foot at Kisaasi.

“Fare thee well Al Hajj Nasser Ssebagala (Seya). Unfortunately, I’m in self-isolation and couldn’t personally participate in his send off,” wrote Besigye.

“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family. Inna lillahi wa Inna illahi raj’un.”

Besigye did not offer details about reasons for his isolation but one of his contacts is believed to have been diagnosed with Covid19.

Sebaggala was one of the Kampala politicians that backed Besigye’s first presidential bid.

With lack of requisite academic documents knocking him out of the 2021 presidential race, Sebaggala rallied his supporters to choose Besigye.

In his eulogy of Sebaggala, Besigye had praised the businessman-turned-politician for his role in Uganda’s politics.

“Hajj Nasser Ssebagala was good natured man, who wished others well. He was a witty, creative, courageous and charismatic leader. A leading and articulate voice of marginalised young people,” Besigye wrote.

“Though he stumbled in later years, he’s left a big mark on Uganda’s liberation struggle. RIP.”