Bushenyi mourns famous businessman Obadiah Rushambuza

The last week of October 2024 ended with a meeting of the famous Bagoma clan based in Bushenyi District of Western Uganda at the home of their Prime Minister Mr. Tinka John Bakyaro in Keisikooko village to discuss their future survival.

In attendance was the clan chief, fondly known as ‘Ishenkuru abagoma’ meaning the grandfather of the Bagoma clan, Mr. Obadia Ntebekeine Rushambuza, who gave a short speech in which he appreciated the gathering and made a set of commitments, including getting other leaders to clan to the state. House, Kampala to meet President Museveni. Mr. Ntebekeine used the same weekend trip to the country to attend the wedding ceremony of Mr. Silagi Basajababalaba, son of Bushenyi District Chairman, Mr. Jafari Basajjabalaba.

While at the party, Mr Ntebekeine, a famous businessman, was in a jovial mood and was seen sharing joyful moments with his Bushenyi friends and other senior citizens. He was in the company of his wife, Naome Kibaaju, the Sheema North Member of Parliament and it is said that since the well enjoyed weekend, Mr Ntebekeine continued to accompany his wife to work in the Sheema Constituency where he fell ill and was rushed to several hospitals after suffering a stroke.

Hopes of recovery remained high until Saturday night when the Bagoma clan chief was pronounced dead at Kenya’s Agakhan Hospital at the age of 72. 2020.

The news of Mr. Ntebekeine’s demise sent shock waves through the district, Ankole sub-region and the entire nation. After leading a pirate life, Ntebekeine came into the public limelight when his wife Naome Kibaaju took him to her political podiums in Sheema district.
On Saturday morning, the Bagoma clan, whose origin is Kyeitembe Ward, Central Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality issued a statement announcing the untimely death of their chief, who in 2020 succeeded his father, Rushambuza.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Obadiah Ntebekaine Rushambuza, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and respected clan leader of the Abagoma clan. His legacy of love, wisdom and strength will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and community,” Abagoma’s statement read.
The Chief Minister of the clan, Mr. Tinka Byakyaro, described Ntebekaine as a person whose light around the clan had just been activated to take it to greater heights.

“Last week, we came together and saw a great light ahead, and he was our torchbearer. We discussed many things about our future as Bagoma. It is unfortunate that the light he had brought has disappeared. We are now in total darkness,” Mr. Tinka told this publication on Saturday.
The Bagoma clan legal adviser on the national executive committee, Mr. Julius Turinawe, said they (bagoma) are coming together to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, a true pillar of strength and unity.

“Our grandfather father was more than a family member or a community leader; it was a symbol of hope, resilience and determination. With his tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication, he inspired countless people to strive for greatness. He was a shining example of what it means to be a hardworking man, always putting the needs of others before his own,” said Mr Turinawe.

“We would not like to speculate on his death, but he left Bushenyi healthy. Until he was rushed to Mbarara, Mulago and Kenya. Details will be given in due course,” Byakyaro said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said Rushambuza’s death was hard to absorb, heartbreaking and disturbing.

“Just a few weeks ago, I was joking with him about how he seemed to be getting younger. The loss is a heavy blow to the people of Bushenyi and the entire nation. My deepest sympathies go to the hon. Noame Kibaaju, the children, the Rushambuza family, the Abagoma clan, the Bushenyi community and the nation as a whole,” Mr. Tayebwa eulogized the Bagoma clan leader.

Ntebekaine will be buried at his home in Ntungamo, Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi-ishaka Municipality on November 6, 2024.