Curtain falls on Hajji Kasagga in gym

By Abdu Wahid Kakande and Hajji Yunus Ntale

Ugandans on Monday woke up to the sad news of the death of Hajji Abbas Kasagga.

Known for his charitable works, Kasagga died after collapsing in a gym session on Monday morning in Muyenga, an affluent Kampala suburb.

A viral video showed Kasagga in a gym session carrying out his routine physical exercises.

He later took a rest and was seen interacting with colleagues before he collapsed and fell on the ground. He was rushed to Kibuli Muslim Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Eye witnesses said Kasagga looked fine but were shocked when he collapsed and fell on the ground sending them into panic.

Speaking during his funeral prayers at Kibuli Mosque on Monday evening, former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi disclosed that Kasagga played a behind-the-scenes role in the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) revolt against former President Idi Amin.

“He is one of the unsung heroes who helped us by sheltering operatives, providing intelligence and recruiting new members,” Mbabazi noted.

Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the titular head of the muslim community in Uganda said the death of Kasagga was a big blow to him because he was truthful, open minded and committed to serving Islam.

“I think it will take me time to get his replacement. He was truthful and open minded,” Nakibinge said.

Born in 1961 in Ngando, Gomba district, Kasagga began his education at Kitagobwa UMEA primary school and later joined Kibuli senior secondary school.

After completion of his studies, Kasagga ventured into business and charitable works which he has been doing until his death. In the 1970s, Kasagga joined the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) that toppled ex-President Idi Amin.

However, these links stayed close to his heart – kept secret even from Prince Nakibinge. A visibly surprised Nakibinge pointed this out during the funeral.

“Although I have closely worked with the late Engineer Abbas Kasagga over the last 30 years and knew him as a staunch NRM supporter, it is the first time I am learning that he was a FRONASA veteran,” Nakibinge noted.

“I don’t know if he had been deployed to spy on me. Luckily, I am like an open book in my affairs,” he added.

Nakibinge however implored muslims to embrace the culture of writing Wills saying many die intestates creating a problem for the leaders.

“When Kasagga died, his close associates inquired from me whether I had his Will and I didn’t have it. So, you see the problem of not writing Wills, even your enemy can take over your burial ceremony. I, therefore, urge muslims and all Uganda at large to make Wills so that you save us from the quarrels after your death,” Nakibinge said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof. Badru Kateregga expressed grief about Kasagga’s death saying it is something he never imagined.

He said Kasagga was a strong pillar in their family and they would greatly miss him.

Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi eulogized Kasagga as a person who has been an ardent supporter of his office.

Kasagga was a key pillar in the Office of the Supreme Mufti, heading all Counties nationally.