The late Peter Banura Araali
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Bunyoro sub-region remains gripped by grief following the untimely death of Peter Banura Araali, whose passing has drawn an outpouring of tributes from national leaders, colleagues and residents.
Banura, the LC5 chairperson of Kikuube District, succumbed to injuries sustained in a road crash on Saturday evening, in an incident that has left the region in shock and mourning.
According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred at Kiziranfumbi along the Hoima–Kagadi road when a speeding taxi lost control and rammed into pedestrians, knocking down Banura and several others. He had reportedly stopped by the roadside to interact with residents when tragedy struck.
Banura was rushed to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Albertine Regional Police spokesperson, Julius Allan Hakiza, confirmed the incident, noting that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the crash.
The death of the youthful district leader has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with many describing him as a humble and dedicated servant of the people.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, in a message shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, eulogised Banura as a committed leader whose passing is a significant loss not only to Kikuube but the nation at large.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Banura, the Kikuube district chairman. His death is a huge loss to Kikuube and Uganda at large. He was a young man deeply committed to leadership and service,” she wrote.
Nabbanja highlighted Banura’s pioneering role as the first LC5 chairperson of Kikuube District, noting that he had been instrumental in steering development initiatives and improving the wellbeing of residents.
“We have lost a very humble man, who still had much life ahead of him. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his father, Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza. May God comfort and strengthen them during this difficult time,” she added.
Banura, a son of Matayo Kyaligonza, had recently been re-elected to lead the district, making his sudden death an even greater blow to local governance and continuity of leadership.
His colleagues in Kikuube district also paid glowing tributes, describing him as a people-centred leader who prioritised service above personal interests.
Former Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Amlan Tumusiime said Banura’s leadership style was defined by humility and attentiveness to community needs.
“In the four years I worked with Banura, I found him a perfect gentleman—soft-spoken, careful and deeply concerned about the welfare of his people,” Tumusiime said.
Kikuube District Speaker Christopher Nkalu echoed similar sentiments, praising the late leader’s honesty and dedication to public service.
“We shall remember Banura as a dedicated leader who served his people well,” Nkalu said.
As the region mourns, funeral arrangements are underway to accord the fallen leader a dignified send-off.
A requiem mass will be held on Tuesday at noon at Christ the King Church in Kampala, followed by a vigil at the family home in Kitiko village, Kigo. On Wednesday, the body will be transported to Kikuube district council headquarters for a special council sitting scheduled for 10:00am.
Another vigil will then be held at the family home in Buhimba, Kigaya in Kikuube District.
The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, confirmed that burial will take place on Thursday starting at noon.
Banura’s passing leaves a leadership vacuum in Kikuube and robs the district of a leader many believed still had much to offer. As condolences continue to pour in, the people of Bunyoro remember a man whose life, though cut short, was marked by service, humility and a deep commitment to his community.
