Kampala tycoon collapses, dies in gym

KAMPALA - A prominent Kampala-based businessman has collapsed in a gym and died. Haji Eng. Abas Kasagga, known for his philanthropy and charitable works, collapsed on Monday morning in a gym in Muyenga, an upscale suburb of Kampala. 

He died at Kibuli Hospital while being attended to by a medical team. Kasagga collapsed as he tried to lift weights and engage in various forms of other physical activities to improve fitness and overall health. 

An eyewitness at the gym noted that they saw Kasagga collapsing, and when they rushed to where he was, he could not speak. 

“He was a regular person here. He comes in whenever he is available. We were shocked,” the eyewitness said. 

Former prime minister Amama Mbabazi, who worked with Kasagga for over 50 years, mourned him and told friends and family who had gathered at Kibuli Mosque on Monday that death was a natural phenomenon which no one can escape. 

“The important thing in one’s life is what one does for himself/herself and the community in which she/he lives. I can say without fear of contradiction that the late Haji Kasagga acquainted himself very well,” he said. 

Mbabazi said in the 1970s, during Amin’s repressive regime: “We, the members of the Front for National Salvation under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, engaged in a clandestine struggle to restore democracy and human dignity. 

Operating through decentralised cells, we relied heavily on the courage and support of ordinary Ugandans who risked everything to shelter us, provide intelligence and join our ranks. 

“Among these unsung heroes was Haji Kasagga. Though I did not meet him during the heat of the struggle, our operations were necessary, compartmentalised for security reasons. His commitment was later brought to my attention.” 

Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the titular leader of the Muslim community in Uganda, said Kasagga was a trusted and honest member, committed to serving Islam. 

Prof. Badru Kateregga, the deceased’s brother, said grief was a journey he never expected to walk, but having mourners by his side had made it a little easier to bear. 
“Thank you all for standing with me, for your patience, and for honouring Eng. Kasagga’s memory alongside me,” he said.

Doctor explains 

Dr Adrian Kakooza Mugenyi noted that lifting heavy weights in gyms can be dangerous due to the risk of injury, particularly when improper form or techniques are used, or when the weight is too heavy for the lifter. 

“This can lead to muscle tears, joint damage, and even heart problems in extreme cases. Anybody above the age of 30 must exercise daily, but they should first undergo a medical examination and ask doctors about their fitness levels,” Dr Kakooza said. 

He warned that not every aged person is supposed to carry weights. 

He also warned that over-exercising can elevate the heart rate, put too much pressure on the heart, cause plaque rupture in the arteries and end in death.

Who was Kasagga?

Born in 1961 in Ngando, in Gomba district, Abas Kasagga studied at Kitagobwa Umea for his primary education and later attended Kibuli Senior Secondary School. 

Upon completion, he started his own business. In the 1970s, he was active in the struggle to depose president Idi Amin and would later travel to Arab countries to further his education. 

Upon his return, he registered a company that specialised in home construction and engaged in charity work, constructing several mosques in Butambala, Gomba and Mpigi districts.