President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has mourned Ignatius Kagawa, the Mayor of Bukoova Town Council in Luuka District, describing him as a nationalist and patriot who contributed to Uganda’s economic development.
President Museveni said Kagawa’s death was a great loss to his family, the people of Bukoova, Luuka District and the wider Busoga region.
The President’s condolence message was delivered on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by Mr. Jimmy Nambiro, his Private Secretary in charge of Education and Skilling, during Kagawa’s funeral in Bukanha Village, Bukoova Town Council, Luuka District.
“On behalf of the Government, on behalf of the NRM Party, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Ignatius Kagawa,” President Museveni said.
The President said he was profoundly grieved upon receiving news of Kagawa’s death in a road accident while he was returning from a meeting of chairpersons of lower local councils in Busoga.
He noted that Kagawa had served as Mayor of Bukoova Town Council for only six months before his untimely death.
President Museveni said he had received a briefing from Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilisation, also his Deputy Press Secretary, about Kagawa’s selfless and patriotic acts.
According to the President, the late mayor embodied the values the NRM has consistently advocated, including development, patriotism, self-sufficiency and dedication to serving the people.
He also used the condolence message to raise concern over road safety, particularly the growing indiscipline among motorists despite government investments in road infrastructure.
He expressed concern that Kagawa was killed while riding a motorcycle in Iganga Town, where vehicle speeds are supposed to be strictly regulated.
“The NRM government has paved many new roads in the country, but the discipline of drivers on these roads is now becoming a major concern for the government,” President Museveni said.
Turning to development in Busoga, the President urged residents to take advantage of government wealth creation programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the 4-acre model, to improve household incomes.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli road, saying the project would improve the transportation of goods and connect the region to wider markets.
President Museveni said the road would facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce towards Lango through ferry transport and onwards to markets in Kenya.
He urged residents to embrace the development opportunities provided by the government and actively participate in wealth creation initiatives.
The NRM Chairperson for Luuka District and Member of Parliament for Luuka South, Hon. Kisa Stephen Bakubalwayo, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a committed party member with outstanding mobilisation skills.
Hon. Kisa, who also delivered a condolence message on behalf of the Luuka District Woman MP, Hon. Annet Nabirye, said Kagawa’s death had created a significant gap within the NRM fraternity in Luuka District and the wider Busoga Sub-region.
He called upon residents to embrace love, unity and mutual support, noting that the deceased genuinely wished the best for others and was passionate about the development of his community.
As part of his support to the bereaved family, Hon. Kisa pledged to sponsor the education of one of Kagawa’s children, Raymond, from Primary Four through Senior Six.
Meanwhile, LC III Chairpersons from across the Busoga Sub-region, led by Mr. Emmanuel Mukisa, the Chairperson of Bulanga Town Council and Chairperson of the Busoga Lower Local Government Association, commended Alhaji Kirunda for his support to the bereaved family.
Mr. Mukisa said Alhaji Kirunda had stood with the family since Kagawa’s death on November 7, 2026, ensuring that funeral arrangements were adequately catered for and that the deceased received a dignified send-off.
He also appreciated President Museveni for mourning with the family and extending a condolence contribution of Shs10 million.
According to Mr. Mukisa, the contribution was intended to support funeral arrangements and help sustain the family left behind by the deceased, comprising two widows and six children.
He called upon leaders in the region to work together in unity and cooperation to promote development and advance the interests of the Busoga Sub-region.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Kagawa’s brother, Mr. Kifamulusi Isabirye, said the deceased was born on October 12, 1983, and died on November 7, 2026, following a road accident in Iganga. He said Kagawa died at the age of 43.
Mr. Isabirye expressed gratitude to President Museveni, Alhaji Kirunda, Prof. Muhammad Lubega, Hon. Nabirye, the NRM fraternity, LC III Chairpersons, Luuka District Local Government, government officials, friends and other well-wishers for standing with the family during the difficult period.
However, he appealed to leaders and well-wishers not to abandon the family after the burial, particularly emphasising the need for continued support towards the education and upbringing of the deceased’s children.
He said the children were still young and needed sustained guidance, care and financial assistance following the loss of their breadwinner.
