Journalist Simon Kagwa Njala has reignited debate surrounding the death of former Kampala socialite Ivan Ssemwanga, popularly known as Don Ivan, after questioning whether the businessman actually died in 2017 as widely reported. Kagwa made the claims during an interview, suggesting that some details surrounding the socialite’s final days and burial were never adequately explained.
Ssemwanga was reported to have died in late May 2017 after spending several days receiving medical attention. His death attracted widespread attention because of his relationship with Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan, his lavish lifestyle and the reputation he had built as a wealthy businessman.
However, Kagwa questioned the medical evidence surrounding the reported death, claiming that no postmortem report had been presented to the public by the medical facilities involved. He also questioned whether the hospital in South Africa where Ssemwanga was reportedly treated had ever released an official document confirming his death.
The journalist further raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the burial, arguing that the public was never given convincing evidence to independently establish what had happened. He claimed that even the widow, Zari Hassan, did not publicly present evidence that could settle the questions he was raising.
Kagwa also questioned why mourners were reportedly not allowed to view the body inside the casket. He went further to claim that even the priest who prayed over the casket did not see the body. These claims have added another layer to his doubts about the circumstances surrounding the burial.
Over the years, Ssemwanga’s name has remained associated with stories about extraordinary wealth, expensive properties, luxury vehicles and his high-profile lifestyle. His death also attracted unusual rumours, including claims linking his wealth to secret societies and alleged spiritual agreements. However, such claims have never been established by credible evidence.
Kagwa also brought up questions about the wealth Ssemwanga was believed to have accumulated, arguing that the public still does not have a clear picture of his business empire and properties. He suggested that these unanswered questions contribute to the mystery surrounding the former socialite’s life and reported death.
Nevertheless, Kagwa’s statements remain allegations and questions raised during an interview, not proof that Ssemwanga is alive or that his reported death was fabricated. No verified evidence has been presented to overturn the widely reported account of his death in 2017, and the claims would require credible medical and documentary records to establish the truth.
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