Communications Officer and Former Journalist Found Dead in Ntungamo

Anthony Kushaba, a communications officer with Ntungamo District Local Government and younger brother to Aaron Kizza, a lawyer representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, was found dead in his rented room on Friday. Kushaba, 36, who previously worked as a journalist for Uganda Radio Network (URN), had served the district for eight years.

Concerns were raised when Kushaba failed to report to work and could not be reached by phone. A close workmate, Eng. Prosper Butubuura, recounted that they had spent the previous evening together at a social gathering before Kushaba returned home around 10 PM. The following day, when he did not arrive at the office, colleagues went to check on him.

They found his room locked from the inside. After attempts to get a response failed, the landlady was called, and the police were alerted. Before the police arrived, Butubuura managed to look through a window and saw Kushaba’s shoes, confirming his presence inside.

The door was eventually broken down, and Kushaba was found deceased on his bed. The landlady noted that his routine sometimes made it difficult to ascertain if he was home, as he might sleep in or leave early for work.

A postmortem examination at Itojo Hospital reportedly indicated ruptured blood vessels as the cause of death, a condition doctors linked to his demise, according to Butubuura. There has been no immediate suggestion that his death is connected to his brother’s legal work or exile.

Kushaba began his career in journalism in 2009, with stints at various radio stations before joining URN as the Mbarara bureau chief. Colleagues remembered him as an open individual who was not afraid to voice concerns and advocate for their rights.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/brother-of-besigye-lawyer-found-dead-in-ntungamo-5567036