Six-Year-Old Grandson of Dr. Kizza Besigye Buried in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: The six-year-old grandson of veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, Ariho Righteous Ampa Besigye, has been laid to rest in Rukungiri Municipality.

Ariho, fondly known by his family as Righ, was buried on September 27, at the Kifefe ancestral home in Rwakabengo A, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.

He died early Thursday while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Mulago Hospital.

Ariho was born in March 2020 and was the only grandson of Dr. Kizza Besigye.

During the funeral service, former Buhweju County Member of Parliament Francis Mwijukye challenged the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery by equipping health facilities with the necessary medical equipment to help detect diseases early and prevent avoidable deaths.

The Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano, the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma, encouraged mourners to turn to God for strength and comfort during difficult times.

Rev. Baguma said challenges are part of life and referred to the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm, encouraging the family to remain strong in faith.

He encouraged Shillah Kentato, the mother of the deceased, to trust in God, saying that although mourners would eventually leave, God would remain with her as a constant source of comfort.

CUE IN…..VERY REV BAGUMA….RR

The mother of the deceased, Shillah Kentato, described the efforts made to save her son’s life before his death.

Kentato said her son developed stomach pain about two weeks ago and was taken to hospital, where medical workers advised that he undergo an operation. However, she said, he died before the operation could be carried out.

She thanked her husband, Ampa Besigye, for his continued support and love for the family despite being away in the United States.

CUE IN…..KENTATO….ENG

The father of the deceased, Ampa Besigye, who is based in California, USA, was unable to physically attend the burial.

In a message, Ampa said he had planned to take his son to the United States at the end of this year after he completed Top Class, where he would seek further medical treatment using his health insurance.

He said, however, that the plans were not fulfilled because of his son’s death.

Ampa thanked the mourners and his father, Dr. Kizza Besigye, for the love and support they showed him and his family.

He also thanked the people of Rwakabengo and Rukungiri at large for always standing with and supporting the family.

CUE IN…..AMPA….RR

The funeral service was attended by opposition politicians and supporters from both the local and national levels.

During the funeral, some opposition members also called on the government to release political prisoners.