BADRU WALUSANSA: In Her Deepest Grief, Best Kemigisa Deserved Empathy, Not A Diatribe

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Badru Walusansa responding to the public reaction around the send-off of King Oyo Kabamba Iguru of Tooro. The author says the mourning period exposed anger, blame, and a lack of empathy, especially toward Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, who was grieving her son. The article argues that the queen mother’s loss should have been treated with compassion rather than criticism.

Walusansa singles out media commentator Andrew Mwenda, saying his remarks about Kemigisa were harsh and insensitive in the circumstances. The piece does not present new reporting or evidence about the funeral itself; instead, it is a commentary on how public discourse unfolded after the king’s death and burial-related events. The writer frames the episode as an example of how people can worsen grief by turning personal tragedy into a public argument.

The article also uses a wider reflection on empathy, drawing a comparison with the late South African photojournalist Kevin Carter as a cautionary example about failing vulnerable people. In broad terms, the commentary suggests that public figures and commentators should be careful not to let opinion overshadow basic human decency during moments of loss. The main point is that, in the author’s view, Best Kemigisa needed support and understanding before any other disputes were aired.