Timothy Kayanja, popularly known as Jayden
More details have emerged about the death of Ugandan TikToker Timothy Kayanja, popularly known as Jayden, whose remains arrived in Uganda on Tuesday, a week after he died in India following a prolonged battle with sickle cell disease and aplastic anaemia.
Jayden’s body arrived at Entebbe International Airport at about 2pm on Tuesday, September 22, where it was received by family members, friends and other mourners. The arrival marked the beginning of funeral arrangements for the popular content creator, whose health journey had attracted widespread attention and support across Uganda.
Several mourners at the airport were visibly overwhelmed with emotion as the casket was handed over for transportation to Kampala.
A Plus Funeral Management took charge of the body, while a team from TMR International Hospital was also present. The hospital had been involved in Jayden’s treatment and in arrangements surrounding his eventual travel to India for specialised medical care.
The body was later transported from Entebbe to Nakulabye, where mourners were expected to gather on Tuesday evening.
Jayden had travelled to India for a bone marrow transplant after years of living with sickle cell disease. His condition had become more complicated after he developed aplastic anaemia, a serious disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.
His treatment journey prompted a major fundraising campaign led by friends, fellow content creators and well-wishers. The campaign helped raise money for his specialised treatment in India.
In July, Jayden underwent the long-awaited bone marrow transplant, which was reported to have been successful. Initially, there were encouraging signs, and according to Gideon Kwikiriza, who led the fundraising campaign, Jayden later spoke to him on a WhatsApp video call and expressed hope of returning home soon.
However, his condition deteriorated in the weeks that followed. He was eventually admitted to intensive care before his death.
Kwikiriza said he was informed that Jayden’s health had worsened and that friends and supporters continued praying for his recovery until news of his death emerged.
He remembered Jayden as a cheerful and lively person who continued making people laugh despite the difficulties caused by his illness.
Jayden had built a sizeable following on TikTok through humorous content. His health struggles later became widely known, turning his personal battle into a public campaign that brought together Ugandans seeking to support his treatment.
Fellow TikToker Sheila Price was among those who confirmed his death, describing the news as devastating.
Funeral programme
According to the programme released by the family, mourners will hold a vigil at St Kizito Catholic Church in Namungoona on Tuesday evening.
A requiem Mass will take place at the same church at 10am on Wednesday, September 23, after which the body will be transported to Sala Village in Wakiso District for another vigil on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, September 24, mourners will gather for another requiem Mass at Sala Village at 10am. Jayden will then be laid to rest at his ancestral burial grounds at 4pm.
His death brings to an end a prolonged health battle that saw him receive treatment at home and abroad, while his friends, fellow creators and supporters rallied around him.
