Ntungamo district is mourning the sudden death of its Communication Officer, Anthony Kushaba, whose career in journalism and public service was marked by dedication, openness and a strong commitment to serving the community.
Kushaba, 38, was found dead in his rented room in Ntungamo Municipality on Friday evening, August 21st, 2026. His body was later taken to the district council hall for a final mourning ceremony before burial on Sunday, August 23rd, at his ancestral home in Katooma IV, Katooma Ward, Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council.
Kushaba joined Ntungamo District Local Government in 2018 and served for eight years, where he played a key role in communicating and publicising government programmes and projects across the district.
Before entering public service, he built a career in journalism, beginning in 2009 and later working as a radio presenter at BFM in Bushenyi and Voice of Kigezi in Kabale. He subsequently joined Uganda Radio Network (URN), serving as the agency’s Mbarara Bureau Chief for about three years.
Colleagues described him as outspoken, approachable and willing to stand up for staff whenever they had workplace concerns.
Florence Kisembo, an inventory officer referred to the late as an open and straightforward person who preferred peace and reconciliation.
“If we had grievances and failed to pass them through, we would tell Anthony and he would either say it during meetings or tell it to the concerned directly. He fought for our rights and was straight and to the point, an open man,” Kisembo said.
Ntungamo District authorities said Kushaba had not reported receiving threats to his life, although he had previously raised concerns about challenges related to his work.
According to Eng. Prosper Butubuura, a close workmate, they became concerned after he failed to report to work on Friday and could not be reached on his phone.
“We were together at a burial of his aunt in Nyabihoko on Thursday. We came together, had dinner and he drove and went home at around 10:00pm. He was always among the first to report to office, but at times he would travel to his home in Kabale without telling anyone. We realised he was not in office and not coming in at about midday, and calls to his phone were not going through. We decided to look for him physically,” Butubuura noted.
Preliminary information indicates that he may have died from heart failure. Colleagues and family members said he had experienced health challenges, including episodes of convulsions and fainting, but the exact cause of death will be established by medical authorities.
His death has left the media and public service fraternity grieving the loss of a professional who spent years communicating public programmes and mentoring colleagues.
Kushaba is survived by his wife and three children.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
