Rakai District mourns passing of education officer, Stephen Ssemutono

Rakai District and the greater Masaka region are in mourning following the untimely death of Mr. Stephen Ssemutono, the District Education Officer (DEO) of Rakai.

Ssemutono passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment.

The news of  Ssemutono’s death spread rapidly across social media within the Masaka region, prompting an outpouring of grief from educators, technocrats, sports enthusiasts, and political leaders.

His passing marks the loss of a multi-talented and dedicated educationist whose influence extended far beyond Rakai District.

Family sources revealed that Mr. Ssemutono died due to complications from severe constipation, which had required abdominal surgery.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, his condition worsened, leading to his death.

He had been admitted to Nsambya Hospital for nearly a month, during which time he was on dialysis and life support.

Ssemutono’s passing leaves a significant void in the education sector. In addition to serving as the District Education Officer of Rakai, he was the Director of Heritage at St. Steven Primary School in Kisosso, Masaka City.

His commitment to education was evident in his previous roles as the head teacher of several schools, including Nabbunga Fountain of Education in Kalisizo, Kabuwoko Boys Primary School, and St. Paul Primary School in Kitovu, Masaka.

He had also served as the Inspector of Schools for Kyotera District.

Beyond his contributions to education, Mr. Ssemutono was a prominent figure in the sports community of Masaka Catholic Diocese, where he held the position of sports officer.

He was also a passionate actor, a brass music director, and a dedicated scout, reflecting his diverse talents and commitment to nurturing young people in various fields.

In the weeks leading up to his passing, friends and family had launched a fundraising campaign to cover the mounting medical bills from his hospital stay.

Unfortunately, despite the community’s efforts, he succumbed to his illness.

The family is currently coordinating with Nsambya Hospital to settle the outstanding medical expenses, and burial arrangements will be announced soon.

Mr. Ssemutono’s death is a significant loss to the Rakai and Masaka communities. His dedication to education, sports, and the arts left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Tributes continue to pour in from all sectors, honoring a man who devoted his life to the service of others.