By Racheal Atuhaire
Friends and classmates of Edgar Muhoozi, a first year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) student who was pursuing a Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, are in shock and disbelief over his death. Muhoozi is reported to have died after drowning in a swimming pool in Kirowoza, Mukono on Thursday, February 12, just a day after the horrifying news of the killing of the Director of Student Affairs, Ms Pamela Tumwebaze had come through.
Muhoozi was rushed to C-Care IMC Hospital in Mukono following the incident. However, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Tributes have poured in from Ntare School alumni, members of the UCU fraternity, and the wider student community, all remembering him as a bright and ambitious young man.
Ronald Agaba, a second-year law student and one of Muhoozi’s closest friends who studied with him in the same stream from Senior One to Senior Four, described him as jolly and determined.
“He was an ambitious person who always talked about his dream of becoming a great engineer,” Agaba said. “He used to jokingly tell me not to forget him when I become a great politician in this country.”
Popularly known as Kanté, a nickname he earned during his time at Ntare School due to his resemblance to former Chelsea Football Club and 2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté, a football player, Muhoozi was widely admired for his athletic talent and cheerful personality.
While at Ntare School, he captained Akachai FC in the Ntare Lions League, earning respect from teammates and rivals alike. Friends describe him as passionate and highly skilled in both football and swimming, a fact that has left many of his old boys and close friends in disbelief over the circumstances of his death.
Agaba also recalled a recent birthday celebration where Muhoozi’s cake bore the words, “One year to becoming a billionaire,” a phrase that reflected his optimism and big dreams.
Janet Akatukunda, another close friend, shared an emotional tribute.
“His love, loyalty, and care, always checking on me. He wished everyone well. I can’t forget him. It’s a lot I can’t forget about him,” she said.
Further details surrounding the incident have not yet been officially communicated.
The UCU administration has called upon students, staff, and well-wishers to uphold Muhoozi’s family in prayer during this difficult time.
