Ugandan tycoon Ivan Semwanga breathed his last in a South African hospital last week and was finally laid to rest at his ancestral grounds in Kayunga on Tuesday.
During the burial, there was drama, counter accusations and exchange of bitter words. Grieving relatives, his children and ex-wife waved the last goodbye to him. Another child was unearthed by the rich gang crew. They claimed that Ivan Semwanga had four children; one girl and three boys. Zari seemed not bothered about the news.
BUT WHO WAS IVAN SEMWANGA?
Flashy lifestyle
Ivan was born 40 years ago. He has been largely known for his flamboyant lifestyle. He lived large and in February 2017, Semwanga made it on the front page of South Africa newspaper, the Sun for making natives line up to receive money.
Ivan’s Journey to South Africa
He found his way to South African reportedly by road, transiting via Zambia way back in 2002. He settled in Pretoria and thereafter emerged as a loaded chap with flashy lifestyle.
Mysterious source of income
Various accounts suggest he was one of the Sangomas (native healers) who targeted rich clientele, while other reports say he operated a string of schools in South Africa that he inherited from a white couple he previously worked for.
Ivan’s ten year love bliss with socialite Zari
The couple has three sons-Pinto, Quincy and Raphael, who were all in his custody by the time of his demise. - Zari had found solace in the arms of Tanzanian crooner, Diamond. Just after their separation, Zari had flings with Kampala toy boys. She sponsored their lifestyle in return, they satisfied her needs.
Controversy was Ivan’s middle name
He was once arrested on suspicion of theft of an iPhone, a wrist watch and was booked at Jinja Police station. The two items were valued at Shs 2m. However, the case was settled out of court. It later emerged that the accuser was a friend to Diamond, the current boyfriend of Zari.
Depression
Before passing on, he had opened up to his close family members how his life had changed ever since his beloved wife left him.
Flashy sending off
His funeral committee reportedly spent close to 650m on his burial. The money was spent on buying alcoholic drinks to celebrate his life. Cows, goats and chicken were slaughtered on Tuesday according Bbosa Lutalo, the chairman of the organising committee. Diamond didn’t attend the burial.