Shock and grief have engulfed residents of Wantoni in Mukono Municipality following the sudden death of a 92-year-old man who had travelled to attend President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony before collapsing shortly after eating at a local food stall.
The deceased, identified as Tikeeni Sepelia, also known as Tikeni Sepela, was a resident of Kapchorwa District. Details on his national identity card indicate he was 92 years old. He had reportedly travelled with a group to witness the national event in Kampala and was later dropped off in Wantoni on their return journey.
The incident happened at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday at a roadside eatery commonly known as “Toninyira.” According to eyewitnesses, Sepelia, who appeared exhausted and hungry after the long trip, ordered food to take away. Moments after, he suddenly collapsed.
Residents and nearby traders rushed to help and attempted to take him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead before receiving medical attention.
The shocking incident has left the Wantoni community in mourning, especially given that the deceased had just taken part in a national celebration.
Wantoni Village Chairperson Ssalongo Nyombi Moses described the incident as heartbreaking and unexpected.
“It is painful that a man who had travelled to celebrate with fellow Ugandans ended up losing his life here. The whole community is deeply saddened,” he said.
Mukono Municipal Councillor Nandyose Ritah called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, saying the public deserves clear answers.
“Many people depend on these food stalls every day. We need an independent investigation so that the truth is established and public confidence restored,” she said.
The tragedy has also reignited concerns over hygiene and food safety standards at informal roadside eateries in the area. Some residents accused vendors of neglecting proper cleanliness, especially during busy hours when they serve large numbers of travellers and customers.
Police from Mukono District responded to the scene shortly after the incident. A team led by investigations officer Afande Ngobi examined the area and later transferred the body to Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The owner of the food stall, popularly known as “Senga,” was taken to Mukono Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
In a brief statement, police confirmed that Sepelia and his group arrived in Wantoni at around 6 p.m. while searching for accommodation and dinner.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of death,” police said.
Authorities are yet to determine whether the elderly man’s collapse was linked to food poisoning, an underlying medical condition, exhaustion from travel, or other possible factors.
Meanwhile, local leaders have urged police to keep the public informed as investigations continue.
“We expect a comprehensive report because the family deserves closure and the community deserves to know exactly what happened,” Ssalongo Nyombi said.
The incident has since sparked wider debate about public health and food safety in informal eateries along busy highways and urban centres, with health experts warning that elderly people are particularly vulnerable to sudden health complications after long journeys and exposure to crowded environments.
Family members of the deceased are expected to travel from Kapchorwa to Mukono to begin burial arrangements after completion of the post-mortem examination.
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