A heavy cloud of sorrow hangs over the hearts of Muhanga Town Council residents and local leaders in the Rukiga district, as they grapple with the news of the untimely demise of Apollo Nyegamehe, commonly known as Aponye.

Aponye tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident in Itojo town council, Ntungamo district yesterday Thursday evening as he travelled from Kampala to Rukiga

Moving around Muhanga Town, Aponye’s hometown, one can observe moments of silence and profound grief among groups of people 

The late Nyegamehe was not only a prominent figure in the business world but also a respected presence in the political arena, serving as the chairperson for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Rukiga District.

The locals fondly recall the late’s selflessness and generosity.

GULE BYABAGAMBI (As a family, Nyegamehe never allowed any member to suffer. He was always there to assist those in need. We will deeply miss his benevolence).

JOHNSON MUHWEZI (As a young man venturing into the world of commerce, I saw Nyegamehe as my guiding light. I relied on his business knowledge and support, believing that he would lead me to prosperity. It is disheartening that he is no longer with us)

Oscar Akampurira, the Rukiga district speaker, commended the deceased for his commitment to fostering peaceful politics in an area previously plagued by turmoil. Akampurira also lauded Nyegamehe for his contributions to economic growth in the district.

The late Nyegamehe also received praise for his contributions to the growth of churches and mosques in the region, without discrimination. Reverend Fr Prosper Rugambwa, the Parish Priest of St. Luke Muhanga Catholic Church, expressed gratitude for Nyegamehe's generosity. The deceased had contributed over 90% of the funds for the construction of the magnificent St. Luke Catholic parish, a remarkable church project costing over Ushs 2.1 Billion Shillings.

Samson Kasasira, the spokesperson for the Rwizi region Police, confirmed that Nyegamehe's fatal accident occurred when the vehicle he was travelling in, registration number UBF 300Z Land Cruiser, collided with a stationary UAZ 767D FUSO truck loaded with Irish potatoes due to mechanical failure.

The incident resulted from the driver's excessive speeding.

Nyegamehe was born in Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga District, where he grew up and started engaging in business in the early 80s.

He went on to become a billionaire and his business ventures under the conglomerate Aponye Uganda Limited included; the Aponye Mall in Kampala which houses Mega Standard Supermarket, Aponye Hotel located on Ben Kiwanuka Street, Aponye Mall in Ntinda, among others.

The body will remain at the funeral home in Kampala today and tomorrow, with prayers for family and friends taking place at Lubowa, Nkrumah Lane, opposite JCRC offices.

On Sunday, at 3:00 PM, the body will be transported to his home in Lubowa for an official vigil at the same location. A requiem mass will be held at Rubaga Cathedral on Monday at 10:00 AM.

On Tuesday, the body will arrive at St. Luke Muhanga Catholic Church for a mass, followed by a vigil at Nyegamehe's home in Muhanga Town Council ahead of the burial on Wednesday, July 11th, 2023