Mzee John Chrysostom Mbuga Kiwanuka, an elder associated with the opposition, passed away on Friday, February 7, at the age of 87.
Mzee Mbuga died from an accident involving a speeding boda boda, and news of his passing was confirmed by his son, Ashraf Kasirye, a journalist at Ghetto TV.
“My father, John Chrysostom Kiwanuka Mbuga, got into an accident yesterday. A boda boda knocked him. And tonight, he passed away. We all thought he would survive. He is gone,” Kasirye said, his grief palpable.
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Mzee Mbuga, as was affectionately known across Uganda, became a strong and passionate voice in the opposition circles, particularly for having unwavering support of political leaders like Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
His activism developed in his latter years. In November last year, Kiwanuka, at the age of 86, showed up at the Court Martial in Makindye to stand surety for Dr Besigye, saying
“I’ve come to stand surety for Besigye, a great friend of this country and fighter of freedom.”
“My father loved this country and sought to see it thrive,” said Kasirye. “He always dreamed of a better Uganda, one where freedom and justice could flourish for all.”
Mzee Mbuga’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and activists alike. Bobi Wine expressed his sorrow on social media, recalling Kiwanuka as a tireless advocate for a better Uganda despite the hardships that marked his life.
“We have woken up to devastating news of the passing of Mzee John Chrysostom Mbuga Kiwanuka, the father of our brother Ashraf Kasirye. Mzee Mbuga was very committed to the future of Uganda despite his advanced age,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
“Deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and all of us who shared great moments with him. May his soul rest in peace.”
David Lewis Rubongoya, the National Unity Platform’s Secretary-General, also paid tribute, calling Kiwanuka a “good friend” who deeply cared about Uganda’s future.
“He always hoped he would see a better country in his lifetime… Mzee was a father figure to many of us. Kitalo nnyo (we are so sorry). May his soul rest in peace,” Rubongoya said.
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