Anthony Kushaba the Ntungamo District Communication Officer has passed on. Kushaba, was on Friday found dead at his home in Cell 8, Central Division, Ntungamo Municipality. Kushaba’s body was discovered inside his house under circumstances that remain unclear.
Police examined the scene before the body was taken to Itojo Hospital for a post-mortem examination which is expected to help establish the cause of death.
Naboth Mpirirwe, a Ntungamo Sub-county district councillor, said he was with Kushaba on Thursday evening noting that he was fine and had not noticed any signs of illness.
He described Kushaba as a hardworking professional who was passionate about his work.Mpirirwe also said Kushaba was the second person to die in similar circumstances, but did not provide further details.
Denis Muhumuza Savimbi, a former district councillor for Itojo Sub-county, said he had known Kushaba for several years and remembered him as a hardworking and outspoken person.
Muhumuza recalled spending several days with Kushaba in Kabale during the burial of a former Ntungamo District Police Commander. “We had the best of our times there. So I really miss him,” he said.
Elly Muhwezi, who works with Bushenyi District Local Government, described Kushaba as a committed journalist who devoted much of his career to keeping the public informed.
Muhwezi said Kushaba regularly attended events across the Ankole region as part of his work.“Invited or not, Anthony will always be there,” he said.
Kushaba’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from journalists and colleagues across western Uganda, who have described him as hardworking, sociable and committed to his profession.
Perezi Rumanzi, a journalist with Nation Media group in Ntungamo described Kushaba as one of the most hardworking and sociable people he knew, saying he was down to earth and willing to work with others.
Kenneth Rukundo, a journalist with UBC West, said Kushaba had a strong passion for journalism and was committed to the media profession.
Joash Muhangi, the radio manager at Radio Rukungiri, said Kushaba played an important role in supporting journalists during his time as Ntungamo District communications officer.
Hope FM journalist Naboth Isaac Niwagaba described Kushaba as a kind, humorous and professional colleague.
Niwagaba said he last met Kushaba at the wedding ceremony of Voice of Kigezi presenter Kevin Bayenda, where they shared jokes, laughter and memories from their years in journalism. He said he did not know that the encounter would be their last.
Kushaba’s death has left colleagues and friends mourning a professional they describe as dedicated to journalism, public communication and building strong relationships with the media.
Before joining Ntungamo District Local Government, Kushaba worked with Voice of Kigezi, Uganda Radio Network and African Pearl News. Samson Kasasira the Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson said investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kushaba’s death are ongoing-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
