Sorrow, grief, and shock engulfed the community of Mubuga Village, Gitenderi Parish, in Nyarusiza Subcounty, as mourners gathered to bury a beloved couple who tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer.
Sebahinzi Keneth (40) and his wife Sylvia Ntiringanya (38) died on October 2, 2025, in a road accident along the Kisoro-Kabale Road, opposite Airland Hotel in Nyakabande Subcounty. The accident, which occurred at around 6:20 PM, involved a Mercedes Benz semi-trailer belonging to East African Roadways and a blue Bajaj Boxer motorcycle the couple was riding.
Married since 2011, the couple is survived by four young children, now tragically orphaned.
The funeral service took place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Gitenderi Church of Uganda, under Kabindi Archdeaconry in the Muhabura Diocese. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as mourners openly wept, mourning the loss and fearing for the future of the children left behind.
Harbert Sebakire, elder brother of the late Keneth, described the couple as loving, peaceful, and deeply involved in community life.
“They lived in unity and peace. It’s heartbreaking to imagine the children growing up without them. Life will never be the same.”
Erasmus Nsabimana, LC3 Chairperson for Nyarusiza Subcounty, urged the community to stay united in this difficult time.
“Peace and unity in our community will keep the memory and legacy of this couple alive,” he said.
Nfitumukiza Johns, LC5 Councilor for Nyarusiza Subcounty, announced that steps are being taken to pursue compensation from East African Roadways through its insurance provider.
“We are finalizing all the necessary documents. Once the process is complete, the company, through insurance, will support the children’s needs,” he confirmed.
Martin Hakizimana, LC5 Councilor for Muramba Subcounty, speaking on behalf of the MP for Bufumbira South, pledged to sponsor the education of two of the children.
“We are committed to ensuring the children are not abandoned. They will be supported until they complete their education.
The burial service was led by Reverend Musabimana Benard, the local parish priest, who called on the community and the church to stand together in supporting the children.
“We must come together as a church and community to help these children build a bright future.”
Rev. Musabimana also addressed cultural beliefs surrounding death, urging the community not to attribute every tragedy to witchcraft.
“Death is not the end, it is a passage to Heaven. Let us stop blaming witchcraft and instead focus on healing and faith.”
