Charles Luyonga Ssozi

The Lord Almighty called Charles Luyonga Ssozi home on Tuesday August 29, 2023, at 11:20 pm Ottawa local time. His last day was spent surrounded by his loving family.

 

Charles was born on November 29, 1955, to Mr. John Chrysostom Ssozi and Esther Naluwembe in Kampala, Uganda, where he completed his high school at Namilyango College and later a diploma in marketing at Uganda College of Commerce where he met his wife Kasalina Lutalo in 1976. His pursuit for further studies had him complete his BA in Economics at the University of Poona in India 1982. Political unrest in his native homeland saw himself and wife immigrate to Canada in 1983. He secured a scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC) where he achieved a Political Science degree and later a postgraduate diploma in International Development and Cooperation at the University of Ottawa in 1985. 

 

Charles’ grit and ambition set him on the path of humanitarian work with organizations such as Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

 

Following retirement, Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Reading the local news, morning walks and watching his favourite Soccer team play and Tennis on the weekends, making up for some of his daily routine. For one with an imposing build, he was a gentle and kind soul. He finally lost the battle to illness after a hard fight in 2023.

 

Charles is survived by his loving wife Kasalina Lutalo, three children Nsamu, Nsimbi and Gasuza Ssozi and daughter in law, Lydia. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John, and Esther.

 

His impact will live on through his family who miss him but are comforted that he rests in peace with the Lord.

 

 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

 

Rest in Power