Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye’s family is mourning the death of his only grandson, Righteous Ariho Besigye, who died at the age of six while receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital in Kampala.
Ariho, popularly known as Rai, was the firstborn son of Adam Ampa Besigye, who announced his death in an emotional tribute.
According to Adam, his son was the only grandson of Kizza Besigye and passed away on September 24.
“It is with profound pain and a heavy heart I have never imagined I would ever carry that I announce the loss of my beloved and only firstborn son, Righteous Ariho (Rai): Rai, the only grandson of my father, Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, fell asleep in the early hours of Thursday at the ICU of Mulago Hospital,” part of Adam’s tribute to Rai read.
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Rai: Kizza Besigye’s Only Grandson
Rai was born in March 2020, during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to his father, Adam Ampa Besigye.
Adam said the birth of his son was one of the greatest gifts he has received in his life, adding that Rai gave him the opportunity to become a father.
Additionally, Kizza Besigye’s son described the grandson as a warrior who fought until his end and is now peacefully resting.
“My Rai, you came into this world during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic and gave me the greatest gift of my life. The opportunity to become your father. An eternal gift from God. You fought until the end, my warrior. You now rest peacefully in the arms of the King of Peace, Jesus Christ,” Adam Besigye noted.
In his tribute, Adam quoted Psalm 34:18 as he bid farewell to his son, offering reassurance that the Lord uplifts those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
He further expressed his love for his son, affirming that his love for his child is eternal until they reunite.
Following the announcement of the passing of Kizza Besigye’s only grandson, members of the public have joined the family in mourning Rai.
Some have expressed the grief they feel for losing a young soul as they send their condolences and words of affirmation to the family.
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Kizza Besigye’s Known Family Members
Kizza Besigye was born on April 22, 1956, in Rukungiri District to Moses and Marion Kifefe.
He was the second-born in a family of six children comprising three boys and three girls, but lost one of his youngest siblings, as well as Joseph Musasizi Kifefe, also known as Saasi.
Among his surviving siblings are surgeon and author Olive Kifefe Kobusingye, Margaret Kifefe, Stella Kifefe and James Kifefe.
Kizza Besigye is married to Winnie Byanyima, a Ugandan engineer, politician and international development official.
The two married in 1998 but had dated since the early 1990s and have been publicly identified as the parents of Adam Ampa Besigye, the eldest, and Anselm Besigye.
Besigye is currently in detention over alleged treason charges leveled against him by President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
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