Mbarara City, Uganda – Shock and grief have engulfed the Ankole sub-region and Uganda’s emerging political circles following the sudden death of Denmark Adious Beinomugisha, a youthful political aspirant and former Guild President of Bishop Stuart University.
Beinomugisha was pronounced dead early Thursday morning at Mayanja Memorial Hospital after reportedly falling from a staircase at Grand Holiday Hotel in Mbarara City on Wednesday night.
Aged just 28, Beinomugisha had recently declared his intention to contest for Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South, standing on the ticket of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a new opposition alliance rooted in the ideals of economic fairness, democratic accountability, and youth inclusion.
According to initial reports, Beinomugisha missed a step on a staircase at the hotel and fell, sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed to Mayanja Memorial Hospital but succumbed to internal bleeding in the early hours of the morning.
Authorities have not ruled out further investigation, though no foul play has been confirmed at this stage.
“It is a tragic loss, not just for his family and friends, but for the entire generation of young people who saw him as a symbol of hope and new leadership,” said Francis Mwijukye, a Member of Parliament affiliated with the PFF and close friend of Beinomugisha.
The hotel, a popular venue for political meetings and student conferences, has yet to issue an official statement. Security officials have cordoned off the area for further review.
Denmark Beinomugisha rose to prominence in 2022 when he was elected Guild President at Bishop Stuart University, where he studied Development Studies. He became well-known across student circles in western Uganda for his passionate speeches, mobilization abilities, and active participation in regional debates about youth unemployment, leadership accountability, and economic injustice.
After graduation in 2023, Beinomugisha became affiliated with the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a political coalition largely supported by former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwarts like Kampala Lord mayor Erias Lukwago and youth activists disillusioned with both NRM and older opposition parties.
During a recent interview with Daily Monitor published on August 4, just three days before his passing, Beinomugisha expressed frustration over the limited visibility and presence of opposition parties in Ankole, calling for grassroots reawakening and renewed civic education in rural areas.
“We cannot leave the future of this region to people who have monetized politics and silenced honest voices. Change must begin in towns like Mbarara,” he said in the interview.
Colleagues within the PFF have described him as a gifted speaker and tireless mobilizer, whose growing popularity posed a serious challenge to entrenched political figures in Mbarara.
His decision to run in Mbarara City South, a constituency traditionally dominated by NRM figures, was seen as both bold and symbolic.
“He dared to speak where others whispered. He believed that even in NRM strongholds, truth could find its voice,” said Dr. Lulume Bayiga, a PFF leader and long-time opposition figure.
His campaign had not yet officially launched, but several community sensitization meetings and youth engagement drives were already underway. Local boda boda associations, student networks, and market vendors had begun showing support for his message.
Social media platforms were flooded Thursday morning with tributes using hashtags like #RIPDenmark. Both opposition and ruling party figures expressed sorrow at the sudden loss.
Gen. Mugisha Muntu, leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), posted:
“Gone too soon. Denmark was among the few young people with the vision and conviction to transform politics. May his courage inspire more youth to rise.”
NUP’s Mityana MP Francis Zaake wrote:
“Deeply saddened. Brother Denmark stood for justice and unity. We must carry on his flame.”
Even within the NRM, voices like Mbarara City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi acknowledged the tragic nature of the loss, describing Beinomugisha as a respectful and promising youth leader.
Family members have confirmed that burial preparations are underway at his ancestral home in Kashari County, Mbarara District. A vigil will be held on Friday, August 8, followed by a funeral service on Saturday at St. Luke Church, Mbarara, before interment.
Bishop Stuart University has also announced plans to hold a memorial mass on campus, where a tree will be planted in his honor.
In his final public address during a youth dialogue at Mbarara University last weekend, Denmark urged fellow young people to refuse to be spectators in Uganda’s political process.
“You are not too young to think. You are not too poor to speak. You are not too powerless to vote. Our time is not tomorrow it is now.”
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