Elder Rights Activist Dies at 87 After Road Crash.
John Chrysostom Mbuga Kiwanuka, who became a strong voice for change in Uganda, died on Friday at the age of 87. His son Ashraf Kasirye said a fast-moving motorcycle hit him.
Mr. Kiwanuka stepped into the public eye late in life. He stood with leaders who wanted better rule in Uganda. His work made him dear to many people across the land.
"My father had an accident yesterday," said Mr. Kasirye, who works as a news writer. "We thought he would live. He did not make it."
Mr. Kiwanuka backed both Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine. These men led the push against those in power. Last year, at age 86, Mr. Kiwanuka went to court to help free Mr. Besigye.
"I came to help Besigye, a good friend of our land," Mr. Kiwanuka told the crowd that day. "I knew him from the start of his work in politics."
Mr. Kasirye said his father cared deeply for Uganda. "He wanted to see our land do well," he said. "He wished for a place where right and fair acts could grow."
Mr. Kiwanuka stayed active until his death. He once went to pray with Mr. Kyagulanyi after someone shot the leader in the leg. They held a small cross and asked God to keep them safe.
The news of his death brought much pain to leaders and rights workers. Mr. Kyagulanyi wrote kind words about the man who helped him. "We hurt from the news of Mzee Kiwanuka's death," he said. "He gave much to make Uganda better."
David Lewis Rubongoya, who leads the National Unity Party, called Mr. Kiwanuka a dear friend. "He wanted to see a better land before he died," Mr. Rubongoya said. "He was like a father to us."
Mr. Kiwanuka died before he could see Mr. Besigye walk free. The high court said people should not face army courts, but the order came after Mr. Kiwanuka's death.
His life showed what one person could do to help others find their rights. Many in Uganda saw him as a sign that things could change for the better.
John Chrysostom Mbuga Kiwanuka, who became a strong voice for change in Uganda, died on Friday at the age of 87. His son Ashraf Kasirye said a fast-moving motorcycle hit him.
Mr. Kiwanuka stepped into the public eye late in life. He stood with leaders who wanted better rule in Uganda. His work made him dear to many people across the land.
"My father had an accident yesterday," said Mr. Kasirye, who works as a news writer. "We thought he would live. He did not make it."
Mr. Kiwanuka backed both Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine. These men led the push against those in power. Last year, at age 86, Mr. Kiwanuka went to court to help free Mr. Besigye.
"I came to help Besigye, a good friend of our land," Mr. Kiwanuka told the crowd that day. "I knew him from the start of his work in politics."
Mr. Kasirye said his father cared deeply for Uganda. "He wanted to see our land do well," he said. "He wished for a place where right and fair acts could grow."
Mr. Kiwanuka stayed active until his death. He once went to pray with Mr. Kyagulanyi after someone shot the leader in the leg. They held a small cross and asked God to keep them safe.
The news of his death brought much pain to leaders and rights workers. Mr. Kyagulanyi wrote kind words about the man who helped him. "We hurt from the news of Mzee Kiwanuka's death," he said. "He gave much to make Uganda better."
David Lewis Rubongoya, who leads the National Unity Party, called Mr. Kiwanuka a dear friend. "He wanted to see a better land before he died," Mr. Rubongoya said. "He was like a father to us."
Mr. Kiwanuka died before he could see Mr. Besigye walk free. The high court said people should not face army courts, but the order came after Mr. Kiwanuka's death.
His life showed what one person could do to help others find their rights. Many in Uganda saw him as a sign that things could change for the better.
