Veteran LC I Chairperson Dies After Collapsing on Campaign Trail in Jinja

door-to-door campaign for the upcoming Local Council I elections ended in tragedy after 64-year-old Mubaraka Wakasa, the LC I chairperson of Butangala A Village in Kagoma Town Council, Jinja District, collapsed while canvassing for votes and later died in hospital.

Wakasa, who had served as the village chairperson for 26 years, had recently secured the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for another term. According to relatives, Wakasa was campaigning with supporters on Monday evening when he suddenly collapsed.

He was first rushed to Buwenge Health Centre IV at around 6:00 p.m. before being referred to Buwenge General Hospital due to his deteriorating condition. After being stabilized, he was transferred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where he died on Tuesday morning.

Medical reports indicate that Wakasa succumbed to cardiac arrest after battling multiple health complications over the past several months. His nephew, Abdullah Musisi, said the deceased had been advised by family members to suspend his campaigns because of his declining health but insisted on continuing. Musisi said Wakasa had spent three days in hospital last week and resumed campaigning immediately after regaining some strength.

He believes the physical demands of the ongoing campaigns, coupled with competition from younger candidates, may have worsened his uncle’s condition. Residents described Wakasa as a respected leader who played a key role in maintaining harmony within the community.

Mariam Nampiima, a resident of Butangala A Village, said Wakasa was known for his negotiation skills, which helped resolve disputes peacefully, especially as Kagoma Town Council experienced rapid commercial growth. She noted that as larger wholesale businesses emerged in the area, Wakasa worked to ensure both established traders and small businesses coexisted without conflict.

Kagoma Town Council LC III Chairperson Brian Mwandale described Wakasa as a wise and dependable leader who often offered guidance on community-centred governance. He said Wakasa had been one of his closest advisers and would be remembered for his commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and service to the community. Wakasa is survived by two wives and several children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced-URN.