Detained veteran opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye’s family is in mourning, following the death of his only grandson Righteous Ariho (Rai),
Ariho’s passing was announced by Dr Besigye’s son Adam Ampa Besigye, on Facebook, who revealed that Ariho passed away at the Mulago National Referral Hospital’s ICU on Thursday.
“My beloved Son, Righteous Ariho (Rai)
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 said.
He added, “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”.
Ampa revealed that Ariho was born in March 2020 during the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, which made him six years at the time of his passing.
“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.
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
“The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18” Ampa mourned.
Human Rights activist Ingrid Turinawe expressed dismay at Ariho’s passing at such a tender age, describing it as a heavy one to take.
“Rest with Angels Baby Righteous Ariho Ampa Besigye .May the good lord give comfort to the grieving parents @AdamAmpaBesigye @kizzabesigye1 and the family. This is so heavy to take! God forgive us” she said.
The head of special interests groups in PFF, Doreen Nyanjura, expressed grief at the loss and prayed for God to comfort the family during this time of mourning.
“Grief has stricken. Our leader and patriarch, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has lost his only grandson, Righ Ariho Ampa. Praying for God’s comfort and strength for @AdamAmpaBesigye and the entire family for this unbearable and painful loss”
She further revealed that Ariho will be laid to rest this Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Rwakabengo, Rukungiri.
Besigye is currently facing treason charges alongside Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
