What Exactly Happened? Ugandans Again Thrown In Mourning As Another Former MP Dies Just A Few Days After One Died

Ugandans have been thrown into mourning following the death of former Buyamba County Member of Parliament Amos Mandela Mugerwa, who passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital. His death comes just days after the country mourned former Busiro County MP Charles Matovu, adding to the grief among political leaders and former parliamentary colleagues.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa announced Mugerwa’s death on Sunday, describing him as a colleague who served in the Ninth and Tenth Parliaments. Tayebwa paid tribute to the former legislator, highlighting his contribution to parliamentary business and his work on the Committee on National Economy.

According to Tayebwa, Mugerwa was particularly concerned about how the government borrowed money and the need for Parliament to exercise stronger oversight over public loans. He reportedly advocated for stricter guidelines to ensure that proposed borrowing received proper scrutiny before approval.

His contribution to the Committee on National Economy focused on the importance of accountability when the government seeks loans to finance national programmes and development projects. The committee plays an important role in examining economic matters, including borrowing proposals that may affect the country's financial obligations.

Former Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze also expressed sadness over Mugerwa’s death, remembering him as a leader who was committed to improving the livelihoods of people in his constituency. Tumwebaze highlighted the former MP’s efforts to support community development, particularly through initiatives aimed at opening up access roads.

Tumwebaze recalled that Mugerwa once told him he spent nearly Shs40 million annually from his personal funds to buy fuel for equipment used to open community roads. The account highlighted his reported willingness to contribute his own resources towards addressing infrastructure challenges affecting residents.

“He was humble, friendly to many and truly committed to serving his people,” Tumwebaze said while paying tribute to the deceased former legislator. His remarks reflected the respect Mugerwa earned among some of his colleagues through his parliamentary work and commitment to community affairs.

Mugerwa’s death comes only a few days after the death of former Busiro County MP Charles Matovu, leaving Uganda’s political community mourning two former legislators within a short period. While details about the cause of Mugerwa’s death and his burial arrangements were not provided in the announcement, tributes have begun highlighting his service in Parliament and his reported efforts to improve the lives of people in his constituency.