Ugandan born-South African based socialite Ivan Ssemwanga breathed his last at a South African hospital last week
The 39-year-old, ex-husband to prominent businesswoman Zari Hassan is said to have succumbed to a stroke which took him to coma for 12 days at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.
During his requiem mass at Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala on Monday, mourners were told Ssemwanga was far from Church.
“Ivan was significant, but as the Church, we had to stretch out if we were to see him. He was far from us. Right now, he too might be stretching out for the Church.” The preacher said.
“A lot has been said about Ivan. People like him leave this world un-understood. In the bible, at 40 years, it is moonrise. However for Ivan, at such a time, he has passed on,” He added. ” As much was being said about Ivan, I was quickly reminded of children I studied with – we would play, escape from class – but some of those children got special time to read their books. You would simply see them excel. You would just notice that the person you played around with had progressed, and you had not.”
“Ivan was a reveler, but had time to do work with his own hands. I have noted over time that after every 10 years, Kampala changes its revelers, buildings. Zari, take care of those children, they are not yours, but are for the Church, country and Kabaka.”
The Preacher then took a reading form Psalm 119:9, which says; wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
He told mourners that man is restless till he finds his rest in God.
He emphasized that Church is not a place just to pray for the dead. “We were here yesterday [Sunday]. The Holy spirit is here. Celebrities we need you each Sunday.” He stated.
“Work hard and stand in the gap to be the bridge, God will see you through. Do not do the same mistakes…made but rather learn from them.” He told the children of the deceased.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
