Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has lost his only grandson, Righteous Ariho, who died at the age of six while receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The boy, popularly known as Rai, died in the early hours of Thursday in the intensive care unit, according to his father, Adam Ampa Besigye.
Adam, who is Besigye’s son, announced the death in an emotional tribute in which he described Rai as his beloved and only firstborn child.
“It’s with profound pain and a heavy heart I’ve never imagined I would ever carry, that I announce the loss of my beloved and only firstborn son, Righteous Ariho (Rai),” Adam said.
He added that Rai was the only grandson of Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures.
Adam said his son was born in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and described becoming a father as one of the greatest blessings of his life.
“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,” he said.
Adam said Rai fought until the end before succumbing while receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital.
“You fought until the end, my warrior. You now rest peacefully in the arms of the King of Peace, Jesus Christ,” he said.
“You have become my guardian angel, watching over me from above.”
The grieving father accompanied his tribute with a verse from Psalm 34:18, which says: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In his message, Adam repeatedly referred to Rai as his beloved son, firstborn and warrior.
“My beloved son. My first born. My warrior. My Rai. Daddy loves you always Rai,” he said.
“Until we meet again, Rai.”
