Bundles of cash, champagne, wine and whiskey were thrown into Ivan Ssemwanga’s grave during his burial in Kayunga in May 2017, in a final display of extravagance that reflected the lifestyle of the man who styled himself the “president” of Uganda’s Rich Gang. Police reportedly guarded the grave for months to prevent people from returning to retrieve the money, turning his burial into one of the most talked-about episodes in Uganda’s celebrity culture. Ssemwanga, who died aged 39, was a socialite and businessman whose public image revolved around luxury cars, lavish spending and investments in South Africa. He had moved there in search of opportunities, reportedly investing in schools, hostels and apartments. His extravagant December visits to Kampala often attracted attention, while his relationship with socialite Zari Hassan further elevated his celebrity status. Their traditional introduction ceremony reportedly cost more than Shs1 billion. But his flashy lifestyle came to an abrupt end after he suffered a severe stroke in Pretoria, South Africa. He was admitted to Steve Biko Hospital, where he remained in a coma for about 11 to 12 days as doctors treated him for bleeding in the brain associated with high blood pressure. Ssemwanga died on May 25, 2017, leaving behind Zari, his former partner, and their three sons. Zari, who reportedly remained by his side during his hospitalisation, announced his death on social media, referring to him as “Ivan the Great.” She later dismissed rumours that he had been poisoned. His body was returned to Uganda on May 28, 2017, reportedly under a different name on the travel documents. A vigil was held in Muyenga, followed by prayers at Namirembe Cathedral, before the body was taken to his ancestral home in Nakaliro, Kayunga District, for burial. His final journey attracted large crowds and a convoy of vehicles, reflecting the public fascination that had followed him throughout his life. However, it was the burial that cemented his place in Uganda’s celebrity folklore. The cash and alcohol thrown into his grave became a defining image of a man whose identity had been closely associated with wealth, luxury and conspicuous spending. His death also sparked speculation that he had faked it, but his family dismissed the claims.