President Yoweri Museveni has cleared the outstanding debt of Sh50m owed by the family of the late David Besisira, a National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth mobiliser.
The amount was paid to Nsambya Hospital by Dr. Balaam Barugahara, the state minister for youth, on behalf of the President.
Besisira’s Passing and Financial Struggles
David Besisira, aged 41, passed away on December 27, after spending two months in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Nsambya Hospital.
At the time of his death, the hospital bill had accumulated to Sh68m. The family managed to pay Sh18m, leaving a balance of Sh50m, which the hospital demanded before releasing the body.
The Accident That Changed Everything
Besisira’s ordeal began in October last year when he was involved in a motorcycle accident on the Masindi-Kijunjubwa road.
He suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. Initially rushed to Masindi Kitara Medical Centre, he was later transferred to Kampala for advanced treatment.
Fundraising Efforts Fall Short
The family’s attempts to cover the medical expenses were overwhelming.
According to Besisira’s brother, Robert Abigaba, they raised Sh10m from well-wishers and sold part of their property, including the deceased’s home, for Sh34m.
Despite these efforts, the debt remained insurmountable, prompting the family to appeal to the President for assistance.
President’s Generosity Acknowledged
Minister Barugahara, speaking at the hospital, praised the President for his timely support. “His Excellency intervened after reading about the family’s plight in the New Vision. He ensured the debt was fully paid,” Barugahara said.
Hospital’s Perspective on ICU Costs
Andrew Muyingo Ssekitooleko, Nsambya Hospital’s CEO, expressed gratitude to the President for the intervention.
He explained that ICU treatments are costly due to specialized equipment, expensive drugs, and high medical expertise.
“The family was charged Sh600,000 daily for ICU care and also had to buy expensive drugs externally,” he noted.
Final Resting Place for Besisira
With the debt settled, Besisira’s body was released to the family and laid to rest on Sunday in Kizimwe village, Kijunjubwa sub-county, Masindi district.
The burial was attended by numerous mourners who had been keeping vigil at his home since news of his passing broke.
Family Struggles with Burial Costs
In addition to the hospital debt, the family faced significant financial pressure for burial expenses. “We were overstretched by the costs of drugs, ICU fees, and burial arrangements,” Abigaba shared.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Besisira, a prominent NRM supporter and youth mobiliser, has left a void in Masindi district. His contributions to the community and his role in the NRM youth league will be remembered by many.
