A post-mortem report has confirmed that Dr John Spire Kiggundu, a renowned gynaecologist and pioneer of laparoscopic surgery in Uganda, died of a heart attack, contrary to widespread speculation circulating on social media.
Dr Kiggundu was found dead on Sunday, after he was reported missing. His sudden death prompted a wave of online claims including reports of a shooting, abduction, and political motives firmly denied by the family and those close to him.
His young brother, Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, in a public statement clarified the circumstances surrounding his passing and called for an end to the misinformation.
“It is not true that he was shot, kidnapped, or killed for political or other reasons. A credible post-mortem confirmed he died of a heart attack and was found a day later,” Spire posted on X.
The family also addressed rumours suggesting a business relationship between Dr Kiggundu and Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Owek Peter Mayiga.
According to them, Dr Kiggundu had no such partnership and that Mayiga’s involvement was limited to officiating the 2020 launch of Henrob Hospital in Zzana, which Dr Kiggundu built from a one-room clinic in 2003.
Henrob Hospital named after his sons, Henry and Robert is now a fully operational health facility specializing in reproductive and minimally invasive surgical care.
Dr Kiggundu was the founder of the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Uganda (ALSU) and had spent decades advocating for safer, faster, and more accessible surgical services, particularly for women.
His passing prompted widespread grief among medical professionals, civil society, and patients.
Dr Herbert Luswata, President of the Uganda Medical Association, hailed him as “a visionary and a tireless advocate for modern, accessible surgical care.”
His younger brother, academic and media personality Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, shared an emotional tribute online and reiterated the family’s appeal for respect during this time of grief.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to rule out any other potential factors, though no evidence of foul play has been found.
