Mukono councillor dies hours after swearing-in

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Shock and grief engulfed Nakisunga Sub-county in Mukono District on Thursday, May 28, 2026, following the sudden death of Kittata Henry Naggwano, who passed away just hours after being sworn in as the councillor representing Katente Village.

The incident, which occurred in the evening, sent waves of grief across the political fraternity and the local community, with many describing it as both tragic and suspicious.

Kittata, who belonged to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), had just been officially sworn in as the Katente Village councillor at the Nakisunga sub-county headquarters.

He was among a group of newly elected NRM councillors and was reportedly eyeing the position of sub-county speaker.

Eyewitnesses and close family reported that the late councillor arrived at the swearing-in grounds at around 7:00 PM in a vehicle. He took the oath of office while still sitting in the car, saying that he was unwell. His condition deteriorated rapidly immediately after the ceremony, prompting colleagues to rush him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at Herona Hospital.

News of his death was made public on Friday, instantly transforming what had been a celebratory atmosphere and the council premises into one of chaos and sorrow.

Several locals who had come to witness the swearing-in ceremony expressed disbelief, noting that Kittata had been in good health earlier but had begun feeling unwell the previous day. Some openly voiced suspicions of foul play, claiming there were individuals they believed were responsible for his untimely death.

This marks the second death of newly elected leaders in the sub-county in recent months. In February, Charles Kiyimba, another elected councillor, died in a road accident.

Julie Nassuna, the NRM Women’s League Chairperson in Buganda Region in tears after it was announced that Kittata had died. (Photo by Eric Yiga)

On Friday, the sub-county LC5 Chairperson, Stephen Mufuwa, could not hide his emotions as he addressed the gathering. Fighting back tears, he strongly condemned what he described as politically motivated killings.

“I had warned these councillors several times about this dangerous trend,” Mufuwa said. “This is now a sacrifice on this council. We must stop killing each other because of politics.”

Julie Nassuna, the NRM Women’s League Chairperson in Buganda Region, described the late Kittata as a promising young leader and a staunch defender of the NRM party.

“It is very painful to lose such a vibrant and committed leader at this early stage,” she said. “We condemn in the strongest terms those who resort to eliminating fellow politicians over political differences.”

However, Hajji Haruna Ssemakula, the NRM Chairperson for the area, urged restraint, warning against premature speculation.

“Death is natural and comes to everyone,” he said. “Instead of spreading rumours, let us focus on medical checkups and pray for the family.”

Other leaders who spoke described the deceased as a humble, hardworking, and visionary leader who had raised high hopes among his constituents.

Following the death, Henry Ddamba, head of government workers at the sub-county, adjourned the council sitting and announced that a new date would be set for the election of the speaker and the official opening of the council session.

Police from Mukono District and Nakisunga sub-county, led by the Officer in Charge SP Namatovu, moved swiftly to the deceased’s home in Katente Village. The body was recovered and transferred to Mulago Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Namatovu appealed to residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without interference.

“The body has been taken for examination and will be returned to the family after the necessary procedures,” she said. “We urge the public to cooperate with police and avoid speculation that could cause unnecessary tension.”

As the community mourns, questions linger over the circumstances surrounding Kittata’s sudden demise. The family and political leaders now await the outcome of the postmortem as they prepare to lay the young leader to rest.