Apollo Nyegamehe, a prominent Ugandan businessman and Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Rukiga District, has passed away following a fatal car accident on the Mbarara-Kabale highway in Ntungamo District.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Uganda mourns the untimely death of Apollo Nyegamehe, also known as Aponye, a prominent businessman and Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Rukiga District.
Nyegamehe passed away on Thursday evening in a fatal car crash on the Mbarara-Kabale highway in Ntungamo District.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 pm near Itojo, where his vehicle collided with a stationary truck parked alongside the road.
Fatal Accident Claims Nyegamehe’s Life
The unfortunate incident took place at approximately 9:00 pm in the vicinity of Itojo, Ntungamo District. Zadock Kamusiime, the Rukiga Deputy Resident District Commissioner, confirmed that Nyegamehe, riding in a Toyota Land Cruiser V8R with registration number UBF 300Z, collided with a parked Fuso truck on the roadside.
The businessman was en route to Rukiga District from Kampala, intending to attend the burial ceremony of Peter Tumwijukye, a resident of Kyogo parish in Kamwezi sub-county.
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Tragic Outcome and Surviving Passengers
Tragically, Nyegamehe succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident.
The driver, identified only as Brian, and two other occupants in the vehicle were rushed to Itojo Hospital for medical treatment. Their condition remains critical, as confirmed by Benson Twesiime, the Medical Officer at Itojo Hospital.
Investigation and Scene Details
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with law enforcement personnel present to initiate an investigation. Their objective is to gather evidence and shed light on the circumstances leading to the collision. Meanwhile, Nyegamehe’s body was transported to Itojo Hospital, situated approximately 200 meters from the accident site.
Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy: Nyegamehe’s Legacy
Apollo Nyegamehe, recognized for his accomplishments in various business sectors, was the founder and owner of Aponye Uganda Limited. Under this company, Nyegamehe established several successful ventures, including Aponye City Mall, Mega Standard Supermarket, and Aponye Mall in Ntinda.
Notably, Aponye Uganda Limited played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020 by supplying government-distributed beans and maize flour to vulnerable Ugandans. This initiative aimed to mitigate the impact of containment measures imposed by President Museveni to combat the virus’s spread.
Nyegamehe’s Family and Personal Background
Survived by his wife, Mrs. Vangi Nyegamehe, and their children, Harold Nyegamehe, Brodis, Patience, Arvin, Lynette, Peter, Yvonne, Kevin, Jackie, Martina, and Annet, Apollo Nyegamehe hailed from Muhanga Town Council in Rukiga District.
He began his entrepreneurial journey in the early 1980s, steadily growing his business empire. Notable ventures included Aponye Mall in Kampala, Mega Standard Supermarket, and Aponye Hotel located on Ben Kiwanuka Street.
Additionally, Aponye Uganda Limited manufactured Apo soap, Kitamu cooking oil, and Ugali maize flour, and maintained a fleet of trailers at Nalukolongo in Kampala.
Public Figures Mourn Nyegamehe’s Loss
The sudden passing of Apollo Nyegamehe has evoked profound sadness within Ugandan society, prompting an outpouring of condolences from public figures.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, expressed his grief on Twitter, stating, “Mr. Apollo Nyegamehe’s death has hit us really hard! Since last night when we received the sad news and converged at his home in Lubowa, we have not come to terms with the tragedy.”
Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform, also mourned Nyegamehe, recognizing his significant contributions to the Ugandan economy and conveying sympathies to the people of Kigezi for their loss.
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of now deceased businessman Apollo Nyegamehe aka Aponye. As an astute businessman, he employed many Ugandans and made a significant contribution to the economy. Sympathies to the people of Kigezi for losing their son. pic.twitter.com/JegOkpQzmO
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) July 7, 2023
Similarly, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chairman of the MK Movement, acknowledged Nyegamehe’s entrepreneurial spirit and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
I am greatly saddened to hear about the tragic death of our friend and supporter Apollo Nyegamehe aka Aponye. I first got to know Aponye in South Sudan while we were deployed there. He was a diligent and energetic business man. We shall all miss him. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/na9AFzD6xD
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) July 7, 2023
The Legacy of a Resilient Entrepreneur
Apollo Nyegamehe’s journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration to many. His entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic initiatives have left an indelible mark on Ugandan society.
As investigations into the tragic accident continue, Nyegamehe’s family, friends, and the nation mourn the loss of a visionary businessman. His funeral arrangements are pending, while his impact on Uganda’s business landscape will long be remembered.
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