UCU Law Student Dies Suddenly While Visiting Friends at Hostel

Students and staff at Uganda Christian University (UCU) are mourning the unexpected death of Ryan Kubakika, a fourth-year law student whose passing has shocked many within the institution.

Kubakika, who was pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree, reportedly died on Friday evening after collapsing while visiting friends at Innovations Hostel in Bugujju.

According to his close friend, Paul Nelson Bubolo, who serves as Chief Judge of the Guild Tribunal, Kubakika spent the day attending lectures and appeared healthy throughout.

“We were together in class until about 6 p.m.,” Bubolo said. “After classes, some friends invited him to Innovations Hostel where they were playing FIFA on PlayStation. While waiting for his turn, Ryan told them, ‘Man, you guys let me rest,’ before settling down.”

What initially seemed like a brief moment of rest quickly turned into a tragedy. Bubolo said that when friends later called him to take his turn in the game, he did not respond.

“He had updated his WhatsApp status at around 7:16 p.m., but by approximately 7:30 p.m. he was unresponsive,” Bubolo explained. “His friends attempted first aid, but nothing changed.”

The student was immediately taken to a nearby health facility in Bugujju before being transferred to Namirembe Church of Uganda Hospital. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead.

Friends have since remembered Kubakika as a lively and warm-hearted individual who enjoyed socializing and maintaining strong friendships.

“He was always cheerful and easy to be around,” Bubolo said. “We celebrated many birthdays together, and he always brought positive energy wherever he went.”

The university administration also expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

Acting Director of Students Affairs Enid Ashaba Mugarura described the news as heartbreaking.

“It is sad, very sad that we have lost Ryan,” she said.

Family members have released a tentative burial programme. A mass was scheduled to be held at St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, opposite the UCU main gate, followed by a vigil in Kabubu.

Additional vigils are planned in Kakyeka, Mbarara, and later in Kisizi. A requiem mass will also be held at Mbarara Martyrs Church before mourners gather for the final vigil.

Kubakika is expected to be laid to rest in Kisizi on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

His sudden passing has left many within the UCU community struggling to come to terms with the loss of a student described by friends and colleagues as kind, vibrant, and full of promise.