Late Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi’s Body Finally Returned For Burial
The body of Ugandan cardiologist, Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi who died last has finally been returned home for burial.
Dr Kinyingi died in Australia where he was living and his body arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Sunday evening and was received by his family members.
According to Nelson Mugenyi, young brother the deceased revealed that there will be a memorial service today at Namirembe Cathedral.
“After the memorial service at 2pm at Namirembe Cathedral, Dr.Kiyingi’s body will be taken to the home of our late father, Azalia Kiyingi Ssebbowa at Busukuma, Namulonge(Wakiso district) for a funeral ,”Mugenyi said.
Dr.Kiyingi’s body will be laid to rest on Tuesday at 4pm at Busukuma Namulonge.
More About Dr Kiyingi
Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi’s journey to becoming a respected cardiologist began in Uganda. He was an elite student at Kings College Budo before meeting his wife Robinah Kiyingi at Makerere University, where they were both studying. They got married in 1977 and shortly after, during the oppressive regime of Idi Amin, they relocated to Kenya and later moved to Australia in 1981.
While in Australia, Dr. Kiyingi pursued specialized training in renowned international institutions and rose to become a respected heart specialist. The couple acquired substantial property both in Uganda and Australia, and established a significant company, Dehezi International Ltd, a computer firm and internet service provider based in Kampala, where Robinah Kiyingi served as a director.
Despite their shared success, the Kiyingis’ marriage experienced severe turbulence. Over time, the couple developed irreconcilable differences that led to constant disagreements, fights, and neglect. Robinah Kiyingi returned to Uganda five years before her death, pulling out of Dehezi International Ltd to establish her private legal practice. Despite attempts by family members and influential individuals to reconcile the couple, their relationship continued to deteriorate.
In 2003, Dr. Kiyingi initiated divorce proceedings in Uganda, which Robinah challenged, instead opting to file for divorce in Australia, where she believed her property interests would be better protected. This move allegedly enraged Dr. Kiyingi, who reportedly threatened that his wife would lose everything.
On July 11, 2005, Robinah Kiyingi was cruelly murdered. She was found in her car, sprayed with bullets. The killers fled the scene, leaving behind their weapon. The murder, which bore similarities with several other unresolved cases, shocked the nation. Robinah Kiyingi, a prominent city lawyer and acting chairperson of Transparency International, was a respected figure in the community.
Following the murder, Dr. Kiyingi, his friend Charles Berwanaho, and a police officer named Mugisha Bob, were arrested and charged with murder. Dr. Kiyingi’s trial was marked by high drama, with his children testifying against him in court. However, the case collapsed, and Dr. Kiyingi was acquitted of the murder charges.
Despite the controversy surrounding his life, Dr. Kiyingi made significant contributions to the field of cardiology and impacted many lives through his philanthropic work. He was known for providing Ugandan schools, churches, and local administrations with computers and introducing internet services and education to the country.
In 2015, he was accused of masterminding the murder of Muslim clerics in the country.
He was also accused of funding ADF activities.
Nakawa Magistrates court summoned Kiyingi to appear and answer charges of terrorism and murder and the court warned that he didnt show up, an arrest warrant would be issued.
The arrest warrant was later issued against him and police threatened to have him extradited from Australia to face charges of murder, terrorism, crimes against humanity and attempted murder.
According to the state, Kiyingi had offered training, recruitment and logistical support to rebels fighting to overthrow the Uganda government.
Prosecution said Kiyingi channeled the funds through his remanded relative Aisha Nakasibante and both were accused of complicity in the assassination of prominent Muslim clerics Sheikh Abdul Muwaya and Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga.
The DPP would however later discontinue terrorism charges against Dr.Kiyingi
In 2015, Dr.Kiyingi announced plans to return to Uganda to challenge President Museveni in the 2016 general election.
He said he would return home to stand against President Museveni but he never showed up.
His legacy remains tainted by the unresolved murder case of his wife and the subsequent trials. Dr. Kiyingi’s death has brought back memories of this tragic chapter in his life, reminding us that even the most accomplished lives can be overshadowed by controversy.
