James Garuga Musinguzi, a prominent businessman, political figure, and respected voice in southwestern Uganda, has passed away. He died on Wednesday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where he had been admitted for treatment.
According to his relative, Kate Baryayanga, the family had been arranging for him to be flown abroad for specialized medical care when he succumbed to illness.
Garuga was best known for his contributions to both Uganda’s political transformation and regional economic development. As a founding member and key financier of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s main opposition party, he played a vital role in the early 2000s push for multi-party democracy.
In 2001, Garuga contested the Kinkiizi West County parliamentary seat against the then-powerful Amama Mbabazi, who would later serve as Uganda’s Prime Minister. After losing the election, Garuga challenged the results in the High Court, alleging irregularities. The court nullified the outcome and ordered a re-run, citing credible concerns. However, Garuga withdrew from the race, allowing Mbabazi to return to Parliament unopposed.
At the time of his death, Garuga was the proprietor of Kigezi Highland Tea Company, a key agro-industrial venture in the region. His investments in tea processing significantly boosted the local economy, providing employment and supporting smallholder farmers across Kabale and the greater Kigezi sub-region.
Beyond business and politics, Garuga was a revered figure in his community. Known for his philanthropy and outspoken views on governance and rural development, he was widely regarded as a pillar of southwestern Uganda.
Funeral arrangements to be communicated by the family.
