Poison cited in journalist Kushaba’s death

What the report says

Investigators in Uganda have been advised to carry out more tests after a postmortem on journalist Anthony Kushaba raised concerns that he may have been poisoned. The Observer reported that Dr. Dorcus Buregyeya, who led the examination, said the body also showed signs that could point to a heart attack, but the exact cause of death was still unclear pending laboratory analysis.

According to the report, doctors found bleeding from Kushaba’s nose and eyes, which contributed to suspicions of poisoning. Samples collected during the autopsy were sent to an analytical laboratory for further testing. Buregyeya made the remarks during a special sitting of the Ntungamo District Council held to honor Kushaba.

Kushaba was 38 and served as Ntungamo District’s communication officer for eight years. The article says he was found dead in his rented home on Friday, a day after attending his aunt’s burial in Nyabihoko, having returned home late the previous night. District officials and family members described him as a dedicated public servant, and colleagues praised his role in rebuilding the district communication office and supporting administrative work.

The report adds that Kushaba was buried on Sunday in Rwentobo, Ntungamo district. More broadly, the case matters because the cause of death remains unresolved while his death has drawn attention from both local officials and the journalism community.