Mall shooting: Ainebyona mourned

Hundreds of people flocked All Saints Cathedral on Wednesday to pay their respect to Arnold Ainebyona Mugisha, 26, who was shot dead on Tuesday.

The firstborn of three children was shot dead after what appeared to be an altercation with Moses Ongoria, a security guard attached to Saracen Uganda Limited, bringing his father's dream of bequeathing the mantle to lead the family to a sudden halt.

Speaker after speaker praised Ainebyona as a creative, innovative, hardworking, visionary and lovely person who valued friendship.

L-R: The deceased's brother Aaron Agaba Mugisha, the father Eng. Plan Mugisha, Phillip Kagezi (a friend), the Mother Beatrice Mugisha and brother Andrew Atuhaire Mugisha during the funeral service at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

The deceased's parents lay a wreath on the casket containing his remains. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"Arnold started making for us juice at home when he was in Primary five, he told his young brothers that mum is not supposed to do all the chores alone. My son was loving," noted Beatrice Mugisha, the mother.

Andrew Atuhaire Mugisha, the deceased's brother said his brother has left a big gap in the family.

"I am still traumatized from what happened to him because I was around, as our firstborn, you were always there for us, we looked up to you, you lead and we followed now you have gone, I love you, sleep well my brother," Atuhaire said.

The deceased's friends lay a wreath. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"Arnold loved people, he always wanted to see people happy, on several occasion he would surprise us with dinners, whenever he travelled, he would come back with a gift for us, when we were sending him to the UK for studies people discouraged us that he will come back spoilt, Arnold studied and he came back a disciplined boy. We are going to miss our son," said Rosette, the deceased's aunt.

During the service, Reverend Medard Birungibyayesu, the director of World Shine Ministries International, stressed the issue of anger management and called upon all Ugandans to learn how to control their anger.

"If it was not anger, this young man would not have died, this Nation is full of angry people. Anything small they charge, some people are angry like cobras, they spit poison, others are like elephants, when they get angry they break everything, others are like volcanos, they bring out fire. We should control our anger and avoid provoking people to anger," noted Birungibyayesu.

In his sermon, the reverend requested Ainebyona's parents to forgive the security guard who ended their son's life.

"It is very painful but forgive that man and all those people on social media who are saying so many negative things, Job in the bible lost everything he had but God restored him. Even in death, always trust God he is the comforter," noted Birungibyayesu.

Ainebyona at a glance

He attended Lohana Academy for his Primary education, later he joined Kibuli Secondary School for his O-level and Kings College Buddo for A-level. He graduated with a degree in Real Estate Management from Oxford University and a master's degree in real estate management from Reading University in the UK. He worked at Knight Frank as a manager in 2017, and also a manager at Imperial Mall,

Ainebyona will be laid to rest on Friday in Keina Parish, Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council, Rushenyi, Ntungamo District.