KISORO UGANDA: It is truly terrible and disturbing to receive the sad news of the demise of Andrew Peter Ndizeye Mugisha.
I first met Andrew as a reporter and continued engaging him until March 2024, when I became the host of #Umugambi, a weekly political talk show at Kisoro FM.
I vividly remember my first-ever show on the program, which came shortly after a cabinet reshuffle. We had an extensive discussion about the cabinet, and at the end of the show, we exchanged thanks.
Andrew was a very resourceful panelist. I continued inviting him to the weekly programme until he became a permanent panelist on #Umugambi.
In October 2024, when I took the personal initiative to start an X Space, #CIVICDesk, he again became one of my permanent panelists.
Throughout the time I knew Andrew, he was exceptionally time-conscious. Sometimes, he would arrive at the station before me and jokingly ask why a young man like me would be late for a show.
He was a well-informed debater who always sought to understand the topic beforehand and discussed issues with facts and relevant information.
Beyond our media engagements, Andrew became open to me and often invited me to his home. We held several discussions that went beyond journalism and political talk shows.
When he was elected General Secretary of Kisoro NGO Forum, I hosted him the following Saturday, and we had another insightful discussion.
In February 2025, when I was elected General Secretary of Kisoro United Journalists Association (KUJA), Andrew sent me a congratulatory message.
We later met on the show, where he challenged me to remain focused on my career and avoid unnecessary talk, especially at a time when the community was polarised.
His advice reflected his concern for my professional growth and the need for responsible engagement in a divided community.
When I decided to change my workplace, I called him and later met him at Brew and Bite. After briefing him about my decision, he asked me two questions: Where was I going, and why? I answered both questions, and, as he usually did, he called the waitress to attend to me.
We talked at length, and he cautioned me against reckless engagement while encouraging me to remain focused on my career development.
My last conversation with Andrew was on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. As usual, we talked, and he asked when I would be coming to Kisoro. We had last met physically on July 13, 2026 at Nambaje’s place .
I frequently reached out to him, and our engagements remained part of my routine.
Andrew was an outspoken panelist who never shied away from expressing his views. He was deeply interested in good governance, accountability and human rights, causes he pursued through his Kisoro Human Rights Foundation.
He widely read, well-informed and able to contribute meaningfully to almost every topic. He also ensured that discussions remained focused, never allowing fellow panelists to drift away from the subject under discussion.
There is so much more that can be said about Andrew and the impact he made through his knowledge, counsel, friendship and contributions to public discussions.
His passing leaves a painful gap, especially for those of us who had the privilege of engaging him on radio and sharing personal conversations with him.
May the soul of Andrew Peter Ndizeye Mugisha, aka Kavukire Bazirukuri Nehemiah, rest in perfect peace.
You will be deeply missed, Andrew.
Rip OB Andrew.