Kizza Besigye Loses Only Grandson

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye's family is mourning the death of his grandson, Baby Righteous Ariho Ampa Besigye, the son of Adam Ampa Besigye.

In a statement on Friday, September 25, Adam said Ariho died in the early hours of Thursday while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Mulago Hospital. 

Adam described his son as a precious gift who came into his life during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's with profound pain and a heavy heart I've never imagined i would ever. carry, that I announce the loss of my beloved and only firstborn son, Righteous Ariho (Rai)," he wrote.

Adam said Ariho was the only grandson of his father, Kizza Besigye, and revealed that the child died at Mulago Hospital.

"Rai, the only grandson of my father, Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye fell asleep in the early hours of Thursday at ICU of Mulago Hospital," he added.

Adam recalled the circumstances surrounding Ariho’s birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying his son gave him the opportunity to become a father.

"My Rai, you came into this world during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic and gave me the greatest gift of my life. The opportunity to become your father. An eternal gift from God," he further said.

Adam also paid tribute to his son’s fight before his death, describing him as a warrior and saying he would continue to remember him as a guardian angel.

"You fought until the end, my warrior. You now rest peacefully in the arms of the King of Peace, Jesus Christ. You have become my guardian angel, watching over me from above," he concluded.

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua also sent her condolences to the Besigye family, while referencing Kizza's continued incarceration.

"My deepest condolences to Kizza Besigye and his entire family on the passing on of his grandson Baby Ariho Ampa Besigye. The continued incarceration of Kizza Besigye on trumped up charges prevents him from being close to his family at such a time," she wrote.

Political activist Ingrid Turinawe also mourned Ariho and prayed for comfort for his parents and the wider Besigye family.

"Rest with Angels Baby Righteous Ariho Ampa Besigy. May the good lord give comfort to the grieving parents, Adam Ampa Besigye, Kizza Besigye and the family. This is so heavy to take. God forgive us," she stated.

Ariho is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, September 27, in Rwakabengo, Rukungiri.

Elsewhere, Daystar University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro is mourning following the death of his wife, Agnes Malesi Ayiro.

In a statement on Thursday, September 24, the university announced the death, expressing sympathy to Prof. Ayiro and his family.

"Daystar University extends its deepest condolences to our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro, and his family following the passing of his beloved wife, Mrs. Agnes Malesi Ayiro," the university said.

Daystar University said it was standing with the Ayiro family as they mourned the loss, while offering prayers for strength and comfort during the difficult period.

"We stand with the family during this difficult time and pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace as they mourn their loss," the university added.