Rubanda District – A deep shadow has fallen over Rubanda West following the sudden death of 24-year-old Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa, son of aspiring MP and campaigner in the Rubanda West parliamentary race.
Balaam had traveled to Rubanda this week to support his father’s campaign, actively engaging in logistics and outreach. Just a day before his death, he had successfully overseen the delivery of farming hoes to the Bufundi store in Kacerere—a task he handled with the energy and commitment that those who knew him had come to admire. He was expected to represent the campaign at several community functions the following day. Instead, he was found lifeless in his bed.
The Kabaasa family, now engulfed in grief, shared the heartbreaking news on Saturday. “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the sudden death of our beloved son and friend Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa,” the statement read. “We shall truly miss our joyous friend and son Balaam. May your 24-year-old soul rest in peace.”
Tributes have poured in from across the country and social media, where Balaam was remembered as a bright, talented, and kind young man.
“My friend Nshuti Balaam has gone to be with the Lord at just 24. Life is truly unpredictable,” wrote @MamaUganda. “May God strengthen the family, and may your soul rest in peace, champ.”
AYAMBA, a close friend, shared memories of their time at university, recalling Balaam’s humor, talent, and warmth. “The jokes at Livingstone, the art pieces he made… just can’t imagine how he struggled alone in the night, only to be found dead in his bed.”
Winfred, who worked with Balaam during his internship, said, “He left some portraits for us at the office. No Nshuti.”
And from Jojo, a former classmate: “The struggles we went through at campus for 3 years hoping we would all be in tent in Jan. Just can’t believe it. Rest in peace, comrade. Class of 22/U @COBAMS will always miss you.”
Balaam was more than a campaign hand. He was an artist, a friend, a hard-working student, and a young man with promise. His sudden death has left a hole in the lives of those who loved him—and in the heart of a campaign that was, for him, a family mission.
