Hundreds of people from all walks of life including government officials, heads of different diplomatic missions, Business men and women, UPDF officials, politicians and ordinary people on Sunday converged at Bugonga Parish Church in Entebbe to pay their last respects and say their final good bye to former Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Treasury Ministry of Finance, planning and Economic Development Christopher Kassami who passed away on Friday in a Nairobi Hospital where he had been hospitalized for close to three and half weeks.
Bugonga Parish priest Fr. Joseph Ssebayiga who led the requiem mass that started at 4pm described the fallen Entebbe senior citizen as an honest and humble man who diligently followed the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Through his humility and honesty, people couldn’t know how important and great he was to Uganda. For over 30 years Late Chris has been attending mass here (Bugonga Church) and he always reconciled himself with God. In his humility he did so much for the church, country and world and will be dearly missed by all, Fr. Ssebayiga told the mourners.
Former Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) Boss Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli who spoke on behalf of Late Kassami’s family described the deceased as a true friend who was a source of inspiration to everyone. He thanked Emmanuel Medical Center, Nakasero Hospital and then Nairobi Hospital for their efforts to save Kassami’s life. Dr. Kihumuuro Apuuli also thanked Bank Of Uganda (B.O.U) and Ministry of Finance that were also supportive while Chris was in hospital.
Everything possible was done but God had already decided. Chris was a source of fun, inspiration and laughter. As a family we would like to thank Bank of Uganda, ministry of Finance and all friends who were supportive when Chris was hospitalized. He was a true friend and his magnanimity will be remembered, Dr. Kihumuro said.
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Kayanja Vincent DePaul described the deceased as a devout Christian who was committed to God and the church.
His Character, humility and simplicity should be emulated by all of us in public life. It is a great loss to lose such a senior citizen who lived a very humble and simple life irrespective of the office he occupied, Mayor Kayanja said.
John Barenzi a close neighbor and a friend described the deceased as a simple man who will be missed greatly. Students from Vienna College Namugongo where Chris served as Chairman Board of Governors described the deceased as a great man who touched people’s hearts through his humility and infectious smile.
Minister for Information and National Guidance Jim Muhwezi who spoke on behalf of the deceased friends described Chris Kassami as a unique and generous man who held a very important office.
He was a unique and generous man who was very humble, honest and patriotic. He has left a legacy which all of us need to emulate. He stood with me through thick and thin when I faced challenges and at one time he had offered to testify on my behalf, Jim Muhwezi said.
He added:
He didn’t believe in occupying big offices and because of his humble character it wasn’t easy to tell that he was the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance. It is really sad that he was just starting to enjoy life outside public responsibility after he retired in 2013.
His Children described their departed dad as a selfless man who always went an extra mile to ensure that they had the best.
We had a special bond with dad and we shall always uphold his virtues. We would like to thank Nakasero and Nairobi Hospital who treated him. We thank the church and all the friends who prayed for Dad’s quick recovery. Life isn’t going to be the same again, they said.
Podi Kassami described her departed husband as a confidant, friend and father who always ensured that she never lacked anything.
He was a loyal friend who always made me laugh even when I was angry with him. I never lacked anything. To him material things didn’t mean much and we need to emulate him. Friends I need your prayers because he has left a big gap in my heart. Our house will always be open to all of you. I’ll always love you Chris, Podi Kassami said as she fought back tears.
At the time of his death Chris Kassami was the chairman Board of Governors Vienna College Namugongo and Airtel Uganda and is survived by a widow Podi Kassami and four Children. Chris Kassami will be laid to rest in Kasusu Village, Fort portal on Tuesday at 2pm. Fare Thee Well Chris Kassami.
