The family of veteran Ugandan opposition figure Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye is mourning the death of his six-year-old grandson, Righteous Ariho “Rai” Besigye.
Ariho died in the early hours of Thursday, September 24, 2026, while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
His father, Adam Ampa Besigye, confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing Ariho as his beloved and only firstborn son.
Ariho was born in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was the only grandson of the veteran opposition politician.
In a statement announcing his son’s death, Adam expressed his profound grief and remembered Ariho as a young boy who fought until the end.
The family has not publicly disclosed the specific illness Ariho had been battling or how long he had been receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital.
The loss comes at an already difficult period for the Besigye family, with Kizza Besigye currently in custody as he faces treason-related charges.
Ariho’s death has since attracted messages of condolence from Ugandans, with many mourning the loss of a young life and extending sympathy to the Besigye family.
Grief has stricken. Our leader and patriarch, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has lost his only grandson, Righ Ariho Ampa.
Praying for God’s comfort and strength for @AdamAmpaBesigye and the entire family for this unbearable and painful loss.
Ariho will be laid to rest this Sunday,… pic.twitter.com/kjUYSAKWhe
— Nyanjura Doreen Omutatina (@DoreenNyanjura) September 25, 2026
