By Weswa Ronnie
BUYENDE
Residents of Bugezya Cell, Itamya Ward, Kidera Town Council in Buyende District are mourning the death of their long-serving LC1 Chairperson, Richard Magezi, who allegedly died after developing health complications linked to excessive alcohol consumption following his defeat in the recently concluded village elections.
According to family members, Magezi experienced severe stress after losing the position he had held for four consecutive terms.
His widow, Annette Nankya, said her husband died on Friday, 31st July, 2026 while being rushed to Kidera Health Centre IV for medical attention.
“My husband experienced severe stress after losing the seat he had held for four consecutive terms. As our children were transporting him to Kidera Health Centre IV, he lost consciousness and stopped breathing before reaching the hospital,” Nankya said.
Julius Kivumbi, a resident and voter in Bugezya Cell, said Magezi’s death was linked to frustration after losing the election.
Kivumbi explained that the former chairperson had expressed disappointment with voters, whom he accused of betraying him after he lost the position that had provided him with a source of livelihood.
According to Kivumbi, Magezi relied partly on his role as LC1 chairperson, including endorsing land sale agreements, to support himself.
Before his death, he expressed disappointment with the electorate and described them as traitors. He later went to a bar where he consumed a large amount of waragi, which worsened his condition,” Kivumbi said.
He added that Magezi had expressed hopelessness about his future after losing the election.
“I see life as useless because survival has reached a dead end. Given my status, I would rather die than continue struggling for survival,” Kivumbi quoted Magezi as saying before his death.
Magezi was defeated by Isaac Kalyango, who received 87 votes, while Magezi garnered 30 votes during the LC1 elections.
The deceased, who was a brother to former Budiope West Member of Parliament Ibrahim Kyoto Muruli, will be buried at his ancestral home in Bugezya Cell, Kidera Town Council, Buyende District.
