Witnesses allege that upon noticing the rapid decline in his health, Mufuuwa asked Kitatta whether he was still able to take the oath. Despite his frail condition, Kitatta reportedly agreed, allegedly saying that “bad people have killed me for nothing.”
“You cannot kill a person because of an office. It is wrong. Kitatta is dead!” Those were some of the emotional words spoken by Nakisunga sub-county Chairperson Stephen Mufuuwa during his inaugural address as he referred to the sudden and mysterious death of councillor Henry Kitatta Naggwano shortly after taking his oath of office.
Kitatta, who was reportedly healthy and had no known illness, is said to have developed severe body weakness just hours before the swearing-in ceremony held at the Nakisunga sub-county headquarters playground.
According to eyewitness accounts, Kitatta arrived at the function in a weakened condition and was using crutches. His health reportedly deteriorated further as the ceremony was about to begin. Mufuuwa is said to have offered him a vehicle that took him to a nearby health facility for medical attention. After receiving treatment, Kitatta returned to participate in the swearing-in ceremony.
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However, by the time he returned, his condition had worsened significantly and he could no longer stand on his own. As a result, he took his oath while seated in the vehicle.
Witnesses allege that upon noticing the rapid decline in his health, Mufuuwa asked Kitatta whether he was still able to take the oath. Despite his frail condition, Kitatta reportedly agreed, allegedly saying that “bad people have killed me for nothing.”
Mukono District Chief Administrative Officer Henry Damba is said to have guided Kitatta through the swearing-in process. Although he managed to recite the first oath using the microphone, he reportedly struggled to complete the second one because he could no longer speak clearly.
Kitatta, a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was reportedly among the contenders for the position of Sub-county Speaker and had the backing of the sub-county chairperson.
Sources claim that efforts to ensure he took the oath despite his deteriorating health were partly driven by a desire from his supporters to have him eligible for nomination to the Speaker’s position. Had he been rushed for advanced medical care before taking the oath, he would not have qualified for the contest.
Tragically, as his supporters celebrated his successful swearing-in, Kitatta’s condition worsened further. Just minutes later, he was pronounced dead.
News of his sudden death shocked mourners and attendees, bringing the ceremony to a standstill. Many people broke down in tears, while others openly speculated about the cause of his death. Some pointed fingers at unnamed individuals and cited witchcraft as a possible explanation, although no evidence has been presented to support such claims.
Kitatta had been elected councillor for Katente Parish, a seat that had remained vacant throughout the previous term after the councillor elected in 2021, Charles Kiyimba, died only two months after assuming office.
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His death has since sparked numerous questions among residents and political observers. Those who believe foul play may have been involved are questioning the motive behind it, whether it was intended to keep the Katente Parish seat vacant once again or to prevent Kitatta from contesting for the position of Speaker.
Despite the tragedy, the situation eventually calmed down and the swearing-in ceremony continued as scheduled, with speeches from various local and district leaders.
Among the speakers was Mukono District NRM Chairperson Haji Haruna Ssemakula, who consoled the people of Nakisunga. He urged them to remain strong during the difficult time, reminding mourners that death is an inevitable part of life while paying tribute to the fallen leader.
