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Garuga was best known as a founding member and major financier of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party
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Kampala – Prominent businessman, philanthropist, and veteran politician Dr. James Garuga Musinguzi has died at the age of 72. Garuga passed away on Wednesday morning at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, following a battle with cancer that had kept him out of the public eye since 2024. The family had reportedly been planning to fly him abroad for further treatment, according to a relative, Kate Baryayanga, who spoke to Torch Media Africa. A respected entrepreneur and political figure, Garuga was best known as a founding member and major financier of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. He played a critical role in the establishment of the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, and was a close ally of former FDC president Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Garuga was a key FDC figure
In a statement issued by the party, the FDC mourned his passing, describing Garuga as “a man of rare courage, wisdom, and generosity.” The party hailed his contributions to Uganda’s democratic struggle and political development.
A Political and Entrepreneurial Legacy
In 2001, Garuga contested for the Kinkiizi West parliamentary seat in Kanungu District, challenging then-powerful politician Amama Mbabazi. Although he lost the initial election, Garuga petitioned the courts, resulting in the nullification of the results and a court-ordered re-run. However, he later withdrew from the race, allowing Mbabazi to go through unopposed.
Outside politics, Dr. Musinguzi built a successful business empire, notably as the proprietor of Kigezi Highland Tea Company and founder of Garuga Resorts Beach. His hospitality ventures included a chain of hotels and tour lodges in Kanungu and Kyenjojo districts.
Garuga was also a passionate agriculturalist and community developer. In a unique community empowerment initiative, he distributed tea seedlings to residents, encouraging them to plant, tend, and later sell the harvest back to his company, helping boost rural incomes.
A life of service
Beyond his business and political roles, Garuga was deeply committed to community service and the church. He made numerous donations to religious institutions and supported several development initiatives in western Uganda. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Torch Media Africa
