Family death threats emerge at burial of slain Nateete driver
Thomas Batiibwe Twase was allegedly targeted and killed at his Nateete parking spot by 19-year-old Sinani Bogeere on September 30, 2026, at about 6:30 pm, according to family members and eyewitnesses. Bogeere was arrested by police.
Speakers at the burial described Batiibwe as a calm, responsible and morally upright man, while condemning the killing and expressing concern over increasing violence involving young people. (Credit: Joanita Nangonzi)
A 70-year-old special hire driver who was allegedly killed at his parking spot in Nateete after his family received anonymous death threats has been laid to rest at Bulaga along Mityana Road.
Thomas Batiibwe Twase was allegedly targeted and killed at his Nateete parking spot by 19-year-old Sinani Bogeere on September 30, 2026, at about 6:30 pm, according to family members and eyewitnesses. Bogeere was arrested by police.
The burial was marked by grief and anger, with mourners calling for police to speed up investigations and establish whether other people were involved in the killing.
Bulaga LC1 chairman Charles Ssentongo, who is also a relative of Batiibwe, said the deceased's widow, Sarah Naggayi, had informed him two months before the killing that she had received anonymous phone threats.
Ssentongo urged Naggayi to immediately report the phone numbers to police to assist investigations.
The burial service was attended by leaders from the Nkima clan led by Mugema's katikkiro Kamuli Ssali, lineage heads, religious leaders, fellow special hire drivers from Nateete, family members and local residents.
Kisawuki also urged Batiibwe's children to remain united and avoid subdividing or selling their late father's estate, warning against disputes over property. (Credit: Joanita Nangonzi)
Addressing mourners, former dean of Namirembe Diocese, the Rev. Canon Jonathan Kisawuki, condemned hitmen and murderers, describing them as devoid of humanity. He warned youths against being recruited to commit violence, saying they could be arrested before benefiting from any blood money.
Kisawuki also urged Batiibwe's children to remain united and avoid subdividing or selling their late father's estate, warning against disputes over property.
In her tribute, Batiibwe's widow, Sarah Naggayi, thanked her husband for his love and pledged to maintain their family home as long as there was no interference.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Michael Kigundu, the LC2 chairman for Ssumbwe ward, praised his father's hard work, saying that despite working in a sector that is often looked down upon, Batiibwe managed to educate his children, seven of whom hold university degrees.
Kigundu urged his siblings to preserve their father's legacy of unity.
Prof. Ssali and clan guide Edward Musisi, speaking on behalf of the clan lineage, urged descendants of Jjumba from Bunjako to remain united.
They described Batiibwe as a responsible church-married man who held a diploma in civil engineering, served as an assistant clan head (wamutuba) and led the Nateete Special Hire Drivers Association.
Batiibwe is survived by his widow, children and grandchildren.