Dominic Leo Ssemwogerere Mayanja

We sadly announce the passing of Mr. Dominic Leo Mayanja Ssemwogerere, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born at Nkokonjeru Hospital to Leo Semakula and Leo Nora Guttabingi. Dominic’s life was marked by strength, service, integrity, and love for family. He was formerly married to Judith Ann Blake and the late Margaret Nabbadda.

Dominic’s education and early career began at St. Paul Primary School and St. Peter’s Primary and Secondary School, Nsambya (completed Senior 3—the highest level then available). He served in clerical and human resource roles at Nsambya Church Procure, Kampala City Council, British High Commission (Kampala), as well as TransOcean Uganda Ltd.

A new chapter in the United States of America started for Dominic amid the political unrest during the Amin regime. Due to that, Dominic immigrated to the U.S. where he studied Graphic Arts at Mankato Vo Tech, then worked in media production, as well as founded a small furniture business and an airport-transport service in Kansas City. Dominic retired after years of dedicated service to his community.

Dominic will forever be remembered for his charm, intelligence, wit, integrity and deep generosity. To his children, he was more than a father—he was a hero, steadfast in his support, encouraging through every challenge, and proud of every accomplishment.

He is survived by and sorely missed by his children, Barbara Mayanja-McFarland, Juliet Anita Mayanja Shortland, Jennifer Patricia Mayanja Nakiwunga, Carol Najjuma Norah Mugagga, Nick Mayanja, and Pearl Mayanja; along with his grandchildren, Ethan & Adrian McFarland, Dominic James Mayanja Shortland, Destin Edward Katende McKeithen & Nia Inez Nakitende McKeithen, Shaun Mwanje Michael Mugagga, Jason Keya Mugagga & Eileen Namwanje Hannah Mugagga, and Ryan Nathaniel Katende & Jordan Adriel Mukiibi. Dominic was one of sixteen siblings; Ignatious Semakula, Bernard Ndugwa, Raphael Kibunga Senkubuge (Musanje), Theresa Kevina Najjuma (Nkinzi), Josephine Namirembe Namakula (Muyinda), Charles Semakula Lwanga Kizito Mukiibi Maguudo (Ggolooba), Elizabeth Nakitende, Anthony Francis Katende, Rosemary Philomera Nabatanzi (Nkanja), Caroline Namakula (Nakayenga), Namagala Regina Ndagire, Semwogerere Gyaviira, Veronica Bulya (Nakimera), Rev. Sr. Immaculate Nabukalu, and Joseph Mukasas Balikuddembe. Some have preceded him in death, while others continue to cherish his memory.

There will be a Visitation for Dominic on Friday, May 2nd at Muehlebach Funeral Care, 6800 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131, from 5:00-7:00pm. On Saturday, May 3rd there will be another opportunity to visit at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114, at 11am with the Rosary prayed at 11:40am, and Mass of Christian Burial following at 12pm. Formal procession to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138, immediately following Mass. After Dominic is laid to rest, there will be a reception back at Muehlebach Funeral Care from 3:00-5:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Dominic’s memory, please consider contributing toward funeral expenses through: Zelle at 816-808-8626, Venmo at @Barbara-McFarland-30, or Cash App at $9700BMcFar. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.

“We say goodbye to a man whose presence lit up every room he walked into. His laughter was contagious, his love was selfless, and his legacy will forever echo in the lives of those he touched. Thank you, Dad—for everything. We love you forever. May your soul rest in eternal peace.”
–Family of Dominic Mayanja