Tayebwa, govt and security bigwigs mourn AIGP Magambo’s son

KAMPALA - Through tears and emotional tributes during the mass, family and close friends described Timothy Muganzi Magambo as kind, humble and deeply compassionate.

Grief and emotion filled Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church in Mbuya, Kampala, on May 26, 2026, as senior government officials joined family to pay tribute to Muganzi, the 18-year-old son of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Tom Magambo, who drowned in New York earlier this month.

The requiem mass attracted a high-profile congregation, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, several outgoing cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior police officers, and permanent secretaries.

Muganzi, 18, who died on May 16, 2026, after drowning in a swimming pool, will be buried on May 28 at the family’s ancestral home in Kisarabwire Village in Masindi District.

Caroline Nalwanga Magambo described her son as “a light that shone brightly” and “a vessel shaped by God,” saying that although the family was mourning, they found comfort in faith.

“Though we weep today, we rejoice knowing he rests in the presence of the Lord,” she said.

In an emotional tribute, she said that she didn’t know what her son was doing for communities around him until his passing.  

AIGP Magambo also shared details surrounding his son’s final moments, revealing that he had gone swimming with friends when the incident occurred. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)

She described Timothy as kind, humble and deeply compassionate, saying his death revealed the quiet impact he had on many lives.

“Young and old people came to our home speaking about him differently and how he made them feel seen, loved and encouraged.”

Relatedly, Muganzi’s younger brother, Jonathan Magambo, fought back tears as he remembered his only sibling as brave, inspirational and caring.

“My older brother was the only sibling I had, but I will continue to see the light he carried. He was a gift to everyone whose life he touched.”

He revealed that his brother loved John Lennon’s song Imagine, which he constantly played at home and around friends, saying the teenager often spoke passionately about creating a better future for society.

“His eyes held visions of a better future not just for himself, but for his family and community,” he said.

AIGP Magambo also shared details surrounding his son’s final moments, revealing that he had gone swimming with friends when the incident occurred.

“They had gone out for an adventure, and it was not the first time they went swimming,” he said.

“But this particular time, he developed a problem in the water, and his friends tried their best to rescue him, but in vain.”

Magambo said doctors later informed the family that he had spent several minutes under the water before he was retrieved.

He also paid tribute to his wife, describing her as the spiritual foundation of the family despite years spent serving Uganda abroad as a Foreign Service officer.

Magambo revealed that despite the devastating loss, he continued handling national assignments during the difficult week.

“It was a challenging moment after I got the bad news.  It was emotional, but I pulled myself together because I had work to do for the country,” he said.

Losing a child is the greatest pain

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa described the loss of a child as one of the greatest pains any parent could endure.

“Losing a son, losing a brother, for any parent, is one of the most painful moments,” he said.

Relatedly, outgoing Security Minister Otafiire urged the family to grieve openly and allow themselves time to heal.

“You need time to cry. Do not suppress your grief,” Otafiire said.

Father Augustus Hector Businge of Hoima Diocese, who led the requiem mass, reminded mourners that death is part of life and urged them to remain faithful.

“Blessed are those who die in the goodness of God like Timothy,” he said.

Muganzi will be laid to rest on May 28, 2026 (Thursday) in Masindi District.