‘A doctor with big heart’ — colleagues mourn Dr Spire Kiggundu

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Hundreds of mourners, including members of the medical fraternity, gathered to pay tribute to Dr John Spire Kiggundu, a renowned gynaecologist and founder of Henrob Laparoscopy Hospital in Zzana, who was found dead on Saturday.

Dr Kiggundu was a distinguished gynaecologist, obstetrician, endometriosis surgeon, and fertility specialist. He was widely respected for his expertise in minimal access surgery, particularly laparoscopic surgery in gynaecology, and for his commitment to helping couples struggling with infertility.

He was also instrumental in raising awareness about endometriosis and offering specialised care through his involvement with the PanAfrican Endometriosis Centre (EndoAfrica).

A requiem Mass was held at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Lweza, off Entebbe Road, led by the Chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese, Fr Dr Pius Male Ssentumbwe, who represented Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. He was assisted by several priests and attended by hundreds of mourners.

The widow, Dr Bernadette Kiggundu Nalongo (middle in white) eulogising her late husband (Dr John Bosco Spire Kiggundu)’s after the requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Lweza off Entebbe Road on Monday June 23, 2025. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

Fr Male praised Dr Kiggundu for his outstanding service, describing it as a lasting legacy.

Among the mourners were former Buganda Katikkiro Muli Ssemogerere, Wakiso District Woman MP Betty Naluyima, family members, friends, former patients, and members of the community.

Widow's tribute

The widow, Dr Bernadette Kiggundu (Nalongo), praised her late husband, recalling the love and support he consistently offered her.

“He met me when I was young, but all the time he helped a lot in everything, and in every problem I got, the first person to call was my Spire (husband),” she said.

“I want to appreciate his parents who raised him well. He was a hardworking man who loved his work. He always used to say, ‘You don’t know that you married a gynaecologist who is supposed to be at work to help people,’ and he would pick up every call.”

She added, “Dr Kiggundu loved his colleagues and children. I used to tell him, ‘You are going to spoil my boys.’ I know the questions will come from the children, but God knows why He took him.”

“I found strength because I know my in-laws love me and have been there to take care of the children. I can’t put my feet in Dr Kiggundu’s shoes. He was not happy seeing women unable to give birth. He spent a year and a half researching how to help them, and last Wednesday, before his death, he got his first fruit — a baby.”

Post-mortem report

Dr Julius Luyimbaazi, his brother, who led the post-mortem, confirmed that Dr Kiggundu died of natural causes.

“I want to stop the lies that were spreading. I was among the first people to arrive where Dr Kiggundu breathed his last. With the help of police and CCTV footage, we traced his movements from Zzana Hospital to Kitende,” he said.

“The cameras show that he drove himself. I think he wasn’t feeling well, so he stopped somewhere in Kajjansi, bought some medicine and then continued to Dream Hotel to rest. He was given a room, and the hotel cameras confirm that he was alone.”

He added: “The post-mortem was conducted by Dr Byaruhanga. I am a doctor and was present. It showed that the blood vessels supplying the heart were narrowed, and the heart failed to receive enough blood.”

Colleagues’ reflections

Dr Justine, one of his colleagues, described Dr Kiggundu as a father figure, mentor, and an exceptionally hardworking doctor.

“He was a daddy to all of us, a good teacher, humble, and gifted in many ways. He was approachable, dedicated, and passionate about his work,” she said.

“He overworked himself, often staying at work until the early hours. Sometimes, we wanted to stop admitting more patients, but he would refuse. He always wanted to help.”