Tributes paid to CID boss Magambo’s son

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Glowing tributes have been paid to the life and work of the eldest son of the Director of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Assistant Inspector General of Police Tom Magambo, following his death on May 16, 2026.

Timothy Muganzi Magambo died at the age of 18 after drowning as he was swimming with friends at a beach in New York.

He was the eldest of the two children of Magambo and his wife, Carol.

In an eulogy given by Pelham Funeral Home in New York, the deceased had just completed his first year at the University at Albany, where he was pursuing a degree in Business Management and Finance.

It said he was born in Uganda on September 24, 2007, and spent his early years between Kampala and Rwanda before moving to Pelham at the age of seven.

He started school at Colonial Elementary School in second grade and went on to graduate from Pelham Memorial High School.

“He was a well-rounded and highly accomplished student. A gifted and dedicated athlete, he played lacrosse, soccer, and football. He was also a proud member of the National Honour Society,” the funeral home said.

It also said the deceased’s leadership qualities were evident through his involvement in student government, where he served at different times as senator-at-large, school-wide treasurer, and class president.

He was also a peer leadership mentor and co-vice president of the Breast Cancer Awareness Club.

“Outside of school, Timothy had many passions. He loved music, particularly ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon and ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond. He enjoyed gaming with friends, stock trading, and volunteering,” it said.

Above all, the funeral home said the deceased was deeply devoted to his family.

“As the oldest child, he was known for his warmth, kindness, and generous spirit. He cherished time spent with his parents and younger brother.”

Each summer and Christmas, the deceased travelled to Uganda to be with his father, often bringing school supplies and clothing to support less fortunate and abandoned children.

“Timothy will be remembered as someone who seemed to be born smiling and talking—a trait he carried with him throughout his life. He loved meaningful conversation and had a natural ability to connect with others,” the funeral home said.

It also said the deceased’s greatest strength was his kindness and that he was always willing to help, even at his own inconvenience, and that he was known for his patience, optimism, and genuine care for those around him.

A celebration of his life was held at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, on May 21, and the second viewing will take place on Friday (May 22) at Huguenot Memorial Church, 901 Pelhamdale Avenue, Pelham, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm.

“In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Sanyu Babies’ Home in Uganda (https://joyoflearningug.com/sanyu-babies-home/) or the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (https://ndpa.org/) in memory of Timothy Magambo,” the statement added.

More tributes

Uganda’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, said he had known the deceased since he was a baby, and he had grown to be a brilliant young man loved and respected by his peers and community, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of messages and visits.

“Condolences to his brother, Jonathan Magambo. May his soul rest in peace,” he prayed via X.

Makerere Community Church pastor Martin Ssempa, a family friend and neighbour in Pelham, told New Vision Online he was very touched by the news of the death of Magambo’s son.

Burial programme

Muganzi’s body will be brought to Uganda on May 25, 2026.

A-Plus Funeral Management in Kampala said a requiem mass will be held at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church in Mbuya, Kampala, on Tuesday (May 26) starting at 9:00 am, thereafter the body will be transported to Masindi district.

The official vigil will be held the following day at his parents’ home in Kisarabwire in Masindi Municipality, starting at 4:00 pm.

Burial will take place at his ancestral home in Kisarabwire on May 28, starting with a requiem mass at St. Jude Catholic Church Parish, Masindi at 1:00 pm.