Buyende, Uganda: Residents of Bugezya Cell, Itamya Ward in Kidera Town Council are mourning the death of former LC1 Chairperson Richard Magezi, who died shortly after losing his seat in the recently concluded Local Council I elections.
Magezi, who had served as LC1 chairperson for four consecutive terms, reportedly fell ill following the election and died while being rushed to Kidera Health Centre IV for medical treatment.
His widow, Annette Nankya, said the family believes the election defeat took a heavy emotional toll on him.
“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.
Residents who knew the deceased described him as deeply distressed after the election results. Julius Kivumbi, a resident of Bugezya Cell, said Magezi struggled to come to terms with the loss after years of serving as the village chairperson.
“Before his passing, he expressed disappointment with the electorate, whom he described as traitors. He later went to a bar where he reportedly consumed a large quantity of waragi, which is believed to have contributed to his death,” Kivumbi said.
Kivumbi further claimed that Magezi had expressed despair about his future after leaving office. “I see life as useless because survival has hit a dead end and, given my stature, I would rather die than continue struggling for survival,” he recalled the deceased saying before his death.
Residents also noted that Magezi had previously relied on income earned from services associated with his office, including witnessing and stamping land sale agreements.
According to the official election results, Isaac Kalyango was elected the new LC1 chairperson after securing 87 votes, while Magezi received 30 votes.
The deceased was a brother of former Budiope West Member of Parliament Ibrahim Kyoto Muruli.
Family members said Magezi will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bugezya Cell, Kidera Town Council, Buyende District.
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