Henrob Hospital in Zzana is mourning the loss of its Executive Director, Dr. John Bosco Spire Kiggundu, a prominent gynecologist and one of Uganda’s most respected figures in the medical field.
His death was announced on Saturday, June 21, by hospital officials, who described the loss as “profound” to both the institution and Uganda’s wider healthcare community.
Early reports speculated that his death might have involved foul play, including rumors that he had been abducted or shot. But on Monday, his brother—Jim Spire Ssentongo, a philosophy lecturer and social commentator—shared a public statement aimed at setting the record straight.
“Though it may not be the right time amidst grieving,” Jim wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “I just want to dispel the harmful disinformation circulating around Dr. John Spire Kiggundu’s sudden death.”
He added: “It is NOT TRUE that he was shot and dumped in a trench. He WAS NOT kidnapped by anyone. It is NOT TRUE that he was killed by anyone for political or other reasons.”
According to Jim, the post-mortem report—conducted by a credible team—confirmed that Dr. Kiggundu died of a heart attack. His body was discovered a day later.
“There is also misinformation suggesting he had a business relationship with Owek. Peter Mayiga,” Jim continued. “That is not true. He was only a chief guest at the launch of Henrob Hospital in 2020.”
The hospital, which Dr. Kiggundu built from a single-room clinic in 2003, was named after his two sons, Henry and Robert. Jim asked the public to “kindly disregard the disinformation that may cause unnecessary harm and hatred to others.”
“Let John rest,” he said.
A burial program released by Uganda Funeral Services outlines the events leading up to his interment:
- Monday, June 23: A requiem Mass will be held at St. Joseph Lweza Parish at 1:00 p.m., followed by a vigil at his home in Zzana starting at 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 24: The body will be transported to Masaka, where a vigil will be held at his ancestral home in Butozi beginning at 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 25: A burial service and final Mass will begin at 2:00 p.m. in Butozi, with burial scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Kiggundu is remembered not only for his contributions to women’s health but also for the legacy he built with quiet determination, one patient at a time.
