Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi, a Ugandan cardiologist who lived in Australia, passed away on Saturday, as confirmed by his family. His wife, Ms. Galiemaya Kiyingi, shared the sad news on social media, although she did not mention the cause of his death. Dr. Kiyingi had a prominent presence in the information and communication technology sector during the 1990s.
He also faced controversy when murder charges were filed against him in connection with the shooting death of his first wife, Robinah Kiyingi, a well-known lawyer at the time. Robinah was tragically shot dead in 2005 at their family gate in Buziga, a suburb of Kampala.
In addition to the murder allegations, Dr. Kiyingi was accused of financing terrorism. He briefly entered the political arena, announcing his intention to run for the presidency in the 2016 election and later marrying Ms. Galiemaya in 2009, attempting to establish himself as an opposition politician.
Dr. Kiyingi and Robinah had initially met during their education at prominent Ugandan schools, Kings College, Budo, and Gayaza High School, before continuing their studies at Makerere University. They married in 1977 and fled Uganda during the regime of Idi Amin, eventually settling in Australia in 1981.
In Australia, Dr. Kiyingi pursued a successful career as a heart specialist, and he and Robinah also accumulated significant property. They established an ICT company called Dehezi International Ltd in Kampala, with Robinah serving as a director.
However, their marriage deteriorated, leading to misunderstandings, disputes, and eventually their separation. Dr. Kiyingi filed for divorce in 2003, while Robinah challenged the jurisdiction of Ugandan courts and pursued a separate legal proceeding in Australia.
The situation escalated when Dr. Kiyingi stopped all dealings with Robinah, leading to allegations of a murder plot against her. Charles Berwanaho, a former employee of Dehezi, was accused of coordinating the murder, with Private Atwine allegedly being the one who carried it out. Atwine died in Luzira prison while on remand.
Dr. Kiyingi faced legal proceedings related to Robinah’s murder but was ultimately acquitted. He then married Ms. Galiemaya in Nairobi. However, Dehezi International faced challenges and had its license revoked by the Uganda Communications Commission in 2007.
In 2015, Dr. Kiyingi faced charges related to the murder of Muslim clerics and was accused of financing rebel activities. He dismissed these charges as attempts by the government to thwart his presidential aspirations.
Born in Busukuma, Wakiso District, Dr. Kiyingi had expressed intentions to return to Uganda for political endeavors, including a potential presidential run, but these plans remained unfulfilled. He formed the Uganda Federal Democratic Organisation (UFDO) as a political party but did not participate in the 2016 or 2021 presidential elections.
