Deceased Masindi man’s family receives presidential support to settle outstanding medical expenses, ending weeks of hardship.

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President Yoweri Museveni has come to the rescue of a grieving family in Masindi District, offsetting a Shs50 million hospital bill for the late David Besasire, who tragically passed away after an accident.

The victim of the accident, a resident of Kijunjubwa Sub-county in Masindi District, had been treated at Nsambya Hospital for over two months in the ICU since the October 2024 accident, before he breathed his last, his family unable to fully pay for the Shs100 million hospital bill that was accumulating every day.

The family had previously paid an initial Shs34 million with mourners and well-wishers adding Shs10 million. However, with an outstanding balance of Shs50 million, Besasire’s body was held up in the hospital for over a week, delaying the burial.

Moved by the family’s plight, President Museveni stepped in to provide the much-needed support. Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, delivered the Shs50 million cash donation on behalf of the President.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency for his kindness and generosity. The President learned about this through the family’s cries in the media, led by the deceased’s widow, Jackline Tibamanya,” said Barugahara during the handover.

The support brought immense relief to the bereaved family, allowing them to finally recover Besasire’s body and proceed with burial arrangements.
### A Family’s Struggle
It all started when Besasire, an active and loved member of his community, was critically injured in a road accident. His condition necessitated intensive medical care, and he was admitted to the ICU at Nsambya Hospital, where he fought for his life until his passing on December 28, 2024.

The increasing medical expenses laid a heavy burden on the family, which was beyond their financial capacity. Their best efforts at pooling resources fell short of the required amount, and they sent an emotional appeal to the government for assistance.

The President’s Timely Intervention

The move by President Museveni indicated he meant business to help his desperate lot. The cash donation addressed the existing financial gap for the family and thus helped them to give Besasira a dignified sendoff without further hard conditions.

Speaking for the President, Balaam Barugahara urged them to be compassionate, especially when disasters struck. “This is a sign of the commitment of the President to standing with Ugandans whenever they are in need,” he said.

Closure and Gratitude

With the bill now settled, the body of Besasire was finally released to the family from weeks of agony. The burial arrangement is now set to go on, and the community has rallied for support to the family for further needs.

Jackline Tibamanya, the widow of the late Besasire, expressed profound gratitude to the President and everyone who contributed to easing their burden. “This has been an incredibly difficult time for us, but the support we’ve received has shown us that we’re not alone,” she said.

Community Support Highlights Bigger Issues

It has also cast ripples on wider issues of access to healthcare and putting families in a financial crisis in cases of emergencies. Locals have called for better policies and mechanisms within the healthcare sector that could ease pressure on families’ financial capabilities during a medical emergency.

Although the government’s intervention in Besasire’s case is relieving, the situation highlights the need for more effort in the fight towards inexpensive and reachable healthcare for all Ugandans.

A Legacy of Compassion

As the family prepares to lay Besasire to rest, the story of his life and the outpouring of support he inspired will remain a poignant reminder of the power of unity and empathy.

President Museveni’s timely support not only brought closure to a grieving family but also highlighted the role of leadership in addressing urgent community needs.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to help,” Tibamanya said. “This has shown us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and humanity.”

Looking Ahead

The family and community are now left to keep in memory the work of Besasire as they try to hope that his life and story continue to inspire support efforts. The move by the President, however, shows that even in tragedies, acts of philanthropy can pave the way to heal the broken.