Friends and family members on Saturday took to social media to pay tribute to prominent economist and businessman Patrick Kateihwaho, the Executive Director of Invespro Inc. who died after he reportedly slid and fell in the bathroom.  

A close friend told the New Vision that Kateihwaho died on Friday (May 03) evening after a fall in his bathroom at his home in Ministers Village in Ntinda, Kampala suburbs.

Despite attempts by his family to rush him to Independent Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.  It was immediately clear what type of injuries he sustained.

The father of three is also said to be a successful businessman who traded in processed fish.

The funeral programme was not readily available at the time of filing this report. 

Kateihwaho was previously married to Rachel Kiconco, the mother of his three children.

A close family said that Kateihwaho and Kiconco (daughter of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi) divorced about ten years ago.

Tributes

On Friday evening, a close friend of Edgar Tabaro took to social media to announce his death. 

“At a loss of words. Patrick Kateihwaho, there are few persons who come close to your knowledge of numbers, historical events in the world, and understanding of Uganda in terms of socio-economic and political dynamics. Attention to detail. Witty. Humorous. Down to earth. Stubborn when you wished to be. Generous. Very boisterous. Patriotic Ugandan. Till we meet again big bro!"

Jimmy Obol Sande said, “Pati Pati, Pato officially known as Patrick Kateihwaho, your depth of knowledge and your stand for the three bottlenecks as the impediment of Uganda's development deserves a heroic reward, especially regarding Umeme. Every time I was at your place, amidst serious deliberations, you would pull me aside to share with me what you only wanted me to know. You referred to me as a bro at all times, and stood your ground against me working for the system and on your 48th birthday moment...the words you spoke regarding the future will forever remain part of my reality. You have left us to celebrate your every moment with a smile.”

Diana Sempebwa Katabarwa said, “Patrick Kateihwaho I still can't find the words. You left too abruptly my friend. Too abruptly. It seems so unreal. Thank you for all the friendly fights over the years right up to Thursday. Go well my friend. Till we meet again.”

Henrie Oyeta said, “A sad day it is, a gloomy day it looks, the emptiness is real. I first got the news of his passing on from Edgar Muvunyi Tabaro's Facebook last night then like a doubting Thomas I clicked to his page hoping that this wasn't true before it hit me hard that it was true.  No, I didn't think he was immortal, we are all mortal and I am well assured of our mortality, but sometimes it comes when least thought of.”

Oyeta further noted, “I never met him in person but we maintained a warm social media friendship, he was a really warm and cool guy. Even when disagreed with he always remained respectful in tone and language, such a nice guy. In most cases, he would tag me in comments or his posts as was his nature. We agreed on most issues National and international politics, regional politics and economics etc. He was a very informed person on national and international politics and economics. He always had his facts. Sad that he is no more, the void he has left will be felt by us who interacted with him.”

Kateihwaho joins a long list of prominent Ugandans who have died after incidents in their private bathrooms.

On March 31, 2024, former  Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force deputy commander Brig. Gen Stephen Kiggundu died following a bathroom accident. The army noted that Brig. Gen. Kiggundu was electrocuted after he slid while taking a shower.

In September 2020, Easter Nakaima Oguli, a lawyer with the International Criminal Court (ICC) died after she slipped in her bathroom.

Some of the accidents have been attributed to the nature of the times used and experts who had earlier spoken to the New Vision called for the need to change the tiles used in bathrooms.