Adam Ampa Besigye, the son of detained Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, has issued an emotional message following the burial of his six-year-old son, Righteous Ariho Besigye, in Rukungiri.
Rai, as the young boy was fondly known, was laid to rest at the family’s ancestral home in Rwakabengo A, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
In a message shared after the burial, Adam apologised for taking time to address those who stood with his family, saying he was still processing the loss emotionally.
“On behalf of my family and my father Kizza Besigye, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who journeyed to Rukungiri this past Sunday to attend and stand with us as we laid my beloved son, Righteous Ariho (Rai), to rest,” Adam said.
He thanked mourners who travelled long distances, rearranged their schedules and left their homes and livelihoods to attend the funeral.
“To everyone who travelled long distances, rearranged your schedules, left your homes and livelihoods in uncertainty, and made the journey to be physically present, from my spirit to yours, I am eternally grateful,” he added.
Adam also acknowledged those who could not attend the burial but supported the family through prayers, messages, phone calls, financial contributions and other forms of assistance.
He said the support extended to the family had helped them navigate the funeral arrangements and give Rai what he described as a dignified farewell.
“Losing Rai, my beloved son, is pain that words cannot adequately describe. But in the midst of that pain, your presence reminded me that we were not walking through this valley alone,” Adam said.
The father also paid an emotional tribute to his son, describing Rai as a warrior who fought through pain until the end.
“Rai, I know your spirit is with me. You are among my Guardian Angels. Rai, you fought through pain until the end, my warrior. I am sorry that it’s pain you felt at your final breath. Your battle has ended. Now mine continues,” he said.
Adam recalled how becoming Rai’s father had given him an experience he would forever cherish.
“Most importantly Rai, you gave me an experience I have never had, being Father. A first-time experience I will live to always honour and remember,” he said.
He ended his tribute by asking mourners to continue praying for him and his family as they adjust to life without Rai.
“My Rai, my son, my baby Rai, rest peacefully in the arms of the King of Peace, Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, my beloved son. Rai, Daddy loves you always,” Adam said.