By Brian Mugenyi
mugenyijj@gmail.com
Kampala/Kyanamukaka, Masaka: The moment was simple, but the message was powerful.
As former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi prepared to leave his office on the fourth floor of Kampala Kingdom after completing his duties on Tuesday, workers stood tall to greet him.
There was no official ceremony. No political mobilisation. No prepared speeches.
It was a spontaneous gesture of respect from people who interact with him daily.
For a man who has spent decades in Uganda’s public life, including serving as the country’s Vice President, the reception represented something deeper than protocol.
It reflected a leadership legacy built around humility, respect and the ability to connect with people regardless of their position.
At Kampala Kingdom, those who work around Ssekandi describe him as a leader who treats everyone with dignity — from senior officials to support staff.
The scene offered a glimpse into the character of a statesman whose journey has moved from the grassroots of Greater Masaka to the highest levels of Uganda’s political leadership.
And at the centre of that journey is Kyanamukaka, a community whose name residents say gained national recognition because of Ssekandi’s life of public service.
The Journey of a Statesman
Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi’s story is one of Uganda’s longest political journeys.
Born in Masaka District, Ssekandi built his career around law, parliamentary leadership and public service.
Before entering the highest levels of government, he established himself as a respected lawyer and legislator, later becoming one of Uganda’s longest-serving parliamentarians.
He served as Member of Parliament for Bukoto Central Constituency and rose through parliamentary leadership ranks.
One of his most notable roles was serving as Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda from 2001 to 2011, where he presided over parliamentary debates and institutional development.
His leadership at Parliament positioned him as one of the country’s most influential political figures.
In 2011, Ssekandi was appointed Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, a position he held until 2021.
During his tenure as Vice President, he represented Uganda in national and international engagements, supported government programmes and continued championing development issues affecting communities.
The Kyanamukaka Connection
For residents of Kyanamukaka, however, Ssekandi’s story is not only about national offices.
It is about a son of the area whose journey brought visibility to their community.
Mr. Oscar Mutebi, a close aide to Ssekandi and a community mobiliser in Greater Masaka, says Kyanamukaka became known because of Ssekandi’s leadership journey.
“Kyanamukaka became known because of Mr. Ssekandi. His leadership gave this community recognition and placed it on Uganda’s development conversation,” Mutebi says.
According to Mutebi, Ssekandi’s greatest strength has been remaining connected to ordinary people despite serving in powerful offices.
He says the former Vice President believes leadership must translate into opportunities for communities.
A Legacy Beyond Titles
Ssekandi’s supporters argue that his legacy should not only be measured by the offices he occupied, but also by the values he represented.
They describe him as a leader who values humility, patience and respect.
The standing reception by workers at Kampala Kingdom, they say, reflects the relationships he has built over years of service.
A Community Moving Forward
Today, Kyanamukaka is experiencing renewed optimism as infrastructure development takes shape, including the ongoing road construction that residents believe will transform the area.
For communities like Kyanamukaka, roads represent more than transport.
They represent access to markets, health facilities, schools and economic opportunities.
Mutebi says infrastructure development will be critical in shaping the future of the area.
“The next years should focus on improving services, infrastructure and opportunities for the people,” he says.
The Enduring Test of Leadership
As Ssekandi’s public journey continues beyond the highest political offices, his story offers a reflection on what defines leadership.
Positions come and go.
Titles change.
But the respect earned from people often becomes the strongest measure of a leader’s impact.
From the workers who stood to greet him at Kampala Kingdom to the residents of Kyanamukaka who celebrate his contribution to their community’s visibility, the Ssekandi story remains one of service, humility and legacy.
A story of a statesman.
A story of a community.
A story of leadership that continues beyond office.
