Former LC1 Chairperson Richard Magezi Dies After Losing Buyende Village Election

BUYENDE, UGANDA — Residents of Bugezya Cell in Itamya Ward, Kidera Town Council, Buyende District, are mourning the death of long-serving LC1 Chairperson Richard Magezi, who reportedly died after developing serious health complications following his defeat in the recently concluded village elections.

Family members said Magezi experienced severe emotional distress after losing the LC1 chairperson position he had held for four consecutive terms.

According to his widow, Annette Nankya, Magezi’s condition deteriorated rapidly as his family attempted to take him to Kidera Health Centre IV for medical treatment.

Nankya said her husband lost consciousness and stopped breathing while being transported to the health facility.

“My husband experienced severe stress after losing the seat he had held for four consecutive terms. As our children were transporting him to Kidera Health Centre IV, he lost consciousness and stopped breathing before reaching the hospital,” Nankya said.

Residents Link Death to Election Defeat

Julius Kivumbi, a resident and voter in Bugezya Cell, said Magezi had struggled to cope with the election loss and had expressed deep disappointment with voters.

According to Kivumbi, the former LC1 chairperson accused some residents of betraying him after he lost the position, which he partly depended on for his livelihood.

Kivumbi said Magezi relied on his role as LC1 chairperson to support himself, including through responsibilities such as witnessing and endorsing land sale agreements.

“Before his death, he expressed disappointment with the electorate and described them as traitors. He later went to a bar where he consumed a large amount of waragi, which worsened his condition,” Kivumbi said.

Kivumbi further claimed that Magezi had expressed feelings of hopelessness about his future after losing the election.

He quoted the former chairperson as saying: “I see life as useless because survival has reached a dead end. Given my status, I would rather die than continue struggling for survival.”

However, the claims linking Magezi’s death directly to alcohol consumption and election-related stress have been attributed to family members and residents. The precise medical cause of death would require confirmation from health authorities or medical records.

Magezi Defeated After Four Terms

Magezi lost the LC1 election to Isaac Kalyango in the recently concluded village polls.

Kalyango secured 87 votes, while Magezi received 30 votes, bringing an end to Magezi’s four-term tenure as chairperson of Bugezya Cell.

His defeat reportedly came as a major setback for the longtime local leader, who had served the community for several years.

Magezi was also a brother to former Budiope West Member of Parliament Ibrahim Kyoto Muruli.

His death has left residents and relatives mourning a leader who had served as the area’s LC1 chairperson for four consecutive terms.

Burial Arrangements

Magezi will be buried at his ancestral home in Bugezya Cell, Kidera Town Council, Buyende District.

His death comes amid Uganda’s ongoing local council election season, which has seen thousands of candidates compete for LC1 positions across the country.