NRM Supporter Dies After Feast in Mukono Upon Returning from Museveni’s Swearing-In

Shock and sorrow have engulfed the community of Wantoni in Mukono Municipality after a 92-year-old man who had travelled to witness President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony collapsed and died moments after eating at a popular 

The deceased has been identified as Tikeeni Sepelia (also referred to as Tikeni Sepela), a resident of Kapchorwa District. According to his national identity card, he was 92 years old. He had been part of a group that attended the high-profile national event in Kampala before being dropped off in the Mukono area late in the day.

The tragic incident occurred at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at a food stall locally nicknamed “Toninyira” in Wantoni. Witnesses said Sepelia, feeling hungry after the long journey, ordered food to take home. He reportedly consumed one or two mouthfuls before collapsing suddenly after the final bite. Efforts to rush him to hospital were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead

The news has sent ripples of grief across the community, particularly because Sepelia had just participated in a joyful national occasion.
 

Wantoni Village Chairman Ssalongo Nyombi Moses described the death as deeply shocking. “This man had come from celebrating with the rest of the country, only to lose his life here in our area. The entire community is saddened,” he said.

Councillor Nandyose Ritah echoed the chairman’s sentiments, noting that residents are demanding answers. “We want a thorough and independent investigation. Many people eat from these stalls daily, and we cannot afford to lose lives like this,” she added.

Some residents have pointed fingers at hygiene standards at the informal food stalls that dot the area. They claim vendors sometimes compromise on cleanliness, especially during peak hours when large crowds pass through. “People should be very careful when eating from such places,” one resident warned. “Illnesses do not choose their victims. Even when you go to hospital, you must take personal responsibility for your health.”


Police from Mukono District quickly responded to the scene. The team, led by Investigations Officer Afande Ngobi, cordoned off the area, examined the scene, and removed the body, which was taken to the mortuary at Mulago National Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.


The female owner of the food stall, popularly known as “Senga”, was taken to Mukono Police Station for questioning. As investigations continue, authorities are working to establish the exact cause of the sudden collapse – whether it was food-related, a pre-existing medical condition, or a combination of factors.

In an official update, police noted that Tikeni Sepela and his group arrived in Wantoni around 6 p.m. seeking accommodation and dinner. “An investigation is ongoing to ascertain what exactly happened,” a police statement said.

Chairman Ssalongo Nyombi Moses urged police to keep the community fully informed. “We expect a comprehensive report. This helps the family find closure and allows the public to cooperate with the authorities,” he said.

The incident has sparked wider conversations about food safety in informal eateries along major routes and urban centres. Health experts often warn that elderly individuals, especially after long journeys and exposure to crowds, may be more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses or sudden health events.

As the investigation proceeds, family members of the deceased are expected to travel from Kapchorwa to Mukono to begin the process of repatriating the body. Police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.