Dr. James Garuga Musinguzi, a well-known Ugandan entrepreneur with deep ties to the opposition and the tourism industry, died Wednesday morning at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, his family confirmed.
He was 72.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Musinguzi had not made any public appearances since 2024.
Born in 1953 in Kihihi village, Kanungu district, Musinguzi built a name for himself in Uganda’s private sector. He was the founder and chairman of Garuga Resorts Beach Hotel, a popular getaway on the shores of Lake Victoria.
He also owned several investments in western Uganda’s tourism sector — including a Safari Lodge in Kyenjojo district, now well known in the region.
Musinguzi’s interests extended beyond hospitality. He was deeply involved in politics and was known to have financially supported the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the opposition party once led by Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Among his most visible contributions was financing the purchase of the FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.
In 2001, he contested for the Kinkiizi West parliamentary seat. He lost to Amama Mbabazi. Musinguzi challenged the result in court.
A re-run was ordered after the results were nullified — but Garuga withdrew from the race. Mbabazi went through unopposed.
He also had a strong interest in agriculture. At the time of his death, he was the proprietor of Kigezi Highland Tea Company. He had investments in coffee and ranching and described himself in interviews as a “passionate farmer.”
Musinguzi was also known for his philanthropy and involvement in the church. Family members and longtime colleagues said he made several significant donations over the years.
He began his education at Kinkizi Primary School at age seven. He later attended Mbarara High School and then Makerere College School from 1971 to 1973.
He enrolled at Makerere University for a Bachelor of Commerce degree and joined Rayon Textiles Ltd as an accountant after graduation. A year later, he moved to Shell, where he worked in the accounts section.
In 1980, he returned to Makerere to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree.
He was married to Dr. Peace Musinguzi. Together, they had four children.
Later in life, he became the director of Incafex Services Ltd, a consultancy firm that offered public relations, management, legal, and agricultural advisory services.
“Garuga lived an extraordinarily successful life,” one family member said. “But what mattered most to him was his community.”
Funeral arrangements are underway. The family is expected to release an official statement later today.
He is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
More details to follow.
