Residents of Kibaale and Bunyoro at large are mourning the death of former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kapchorwa, Simon Peter Kandole, who succumbed to COVID-19 at Mbale Regional Hospital.

Kandole, 54, who was born in Busana village in Kibaale Town Council succumbed to COVID-19 at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, also the Kakumiro district Woman MP, said Kandole was pronounced dead as she finalised preparation with finance minister Matia Kasaija to airlift him from Mbale to Kampala for treatment.

“It is quite unfortunate that our beloved former CAO died at a time when I was preparing with Matia Kasaija to airlift him from Mbale to Kampala when the health facility lacked enough oxygen for his emergency health condition,” she said.

Nabanja clarified that Kandole tested positive to COVID-19 last week but his condition kept on deteriorating which called for the transfer to another health facility for medication.

Kandole, the son of the late Muzei Kazaire of Busana, had been transferred from Kapchorwa to Arua district as the chief administrative officer and was set to report for duty in July.

Kasaija described Kandole as a development-oriented person, hardworking, humble, and visionary.

“I remember Kandole as a hard-working person who established many projects such as St Simon SSS and other development projects in Kibaale district. We have lost a gallant and visionary leader whose legacy should be emulated by other leaders. We struggled to save his life but it was not possible,” said Kasaija.

Godfrey Muwonge Kasanga, the Kibaale LC5 chairperson described Kandole as religious, social, reserved, and a mentor during his lifetime.

“I remember him as a mentor who cherished guiding, counselling people with life challenges and a committed Christian,” he said.

Muwonge however urged Kibaale residents to ensure they embrace the ongoing mass vaccination on coronavirus as well as observing standard operating procedures against the spread of COVID-19.

Kandole a former student Kabalega SSS in Masindi district worked on the school management committee of Bujuni Primary School before being elevated to the town clerk of Kibaale Town Council. He was also the Bundibugyo deputy chief administrative officer, as well as the chief administrative officer for Bulambuli, Ntungamo, and Kapchorwa districts.

He will be laid to rest in Busana on Thursday.