Poison cited in journalist Kushaba’s death

Investigators have been advised to conduct further tests on samples taken from the body of journalist Anthony Kushaba after a postmortem raised suspicion that he could have been poisoned.

Dr Dorcus Buregyeya, who led the team that conducted the postmortem, said the examination also found signs consistent with a possible heart attack, although the exact cause of death remains unclear pending further tests.

“We found one part of the heart without blood. From the way they described his posture on the bed when they found him, in simple English we can say he had a heart attack, but we shall do more tests on the samples we collected,” Buregyeya said.

She said the team also observed bleeding from Kushaba’s nose and eyes, prompting them to consider the possibility of poisoning and body samples have been handed over to the analytical laboratory for testing.

Dr Buregyeya made the revelations during a special sitting of the Ntungamo District Council convened to pay tribute to Kushaba.

Kushaba, 38, a journalist and public servant, served as Ntungamo District’s communication officer for eight years. He was found dead in his rented home on Friday, hours after attending his aunt’s burial in Nyabihoko the previous day.

According to accounts presented to the district, Kushaba attended the burial on Thursday, later had dinner with colleagues and drove home at about 10 pm. He was found dead inside his house the following day.

Kushaba was the younger brother of a human rights lawyer and activist Eron Kiiza who is currently in exile.

At the council sitting, District Speaker Bernard Ahabwe Mupenda said it was important for the district to honour Kushaba, whom he described as a dedicated public servant who served the council diligently.

The motion to pay tribute to Kushaba was moved by Bibiana Kakinoni, the woman councillor representing Itojo Sub-county and Nyamukana Town Council, and was unanimously supported by the council.

Kakinoni described Kushaba as sociable and cooperative, saying he maintained good relations with councillors and other district officials.

Fidelis Kiiza, the district chief administrative officer, described Kushaba as a corruption-free civil servant who helped revive the district communication office after it had remained largely dormant for 13 years.

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Gerrard Nuwagaba described him as a bold and dependable officer who distinguished himself through his professional and administrative responsibilities.

Nuwagaba said Kushaba also played an important role in helping retired civil servants process and access their pension benefits in time. Kiiza further credited Kushaba with contributing to efforts to strengthen the district’s fight against corruption.

He said Kushaba was part of a team established to address challenges affecting the district payroll, including helping new payroll entrants obtain supplier numbers required to access government services.

According to Kiiza, Kushaba also contributed to efforts to streamline systems through which residents benefited from the Parish Development Model.

Kushaba’s father, Albany Mbabazi, described his son as hardworking and purposeful, saying he made good use of his time and abilities to serve others and contribute to his community.

From the journalism fraternity, journalist Perez Rumanzi described Kushaba as a passionate media professional who mentored many journalists and remained committed to the industry.

The widow, Emily Kushaba, remembered him as a humble and loving husband who served as a mentor, counsellor and caring partner to his family. Kushaba was buried on Sunday at his ancestral home in Rwentobo, Rwahi Town Council, Ntungamo district, leaving behind a widow and three sons.

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