You can know how good or bad someone was upon his/her death, and I am yet to read or hear anything bad said about Dr John Spire Kiggundu.
These days people don’t fear talking ill about the dead, you know, right? I have not heard one statement sullying the memory of this man. I was watching the news bulletin on TV about his untimely death after suffering a heart attack at a hotel – his body was only discovered a day later – and the people in his community, who had benefitted from his services at Henrob Hospital eulogized him so sweetly.
One after the other, they talked about how he was always available, and one of the few doctors/facilities who put patients before money. I first heard about Dr Kiggundu’s death on WhatsApp, when I turned on status notifications and there were different women posting about his shocking death and quality heart.
That he was a gynaecologist explains a lot; it is said that he was behind several initiatives to improve female reproductive health, especially in the areas around Namasuba Zzana, where his hospital was based.
When it came to treating women-related ailments such as endometriosis, fibroids, among others, his compassion and expertise were incomparable, according to those who were once in his care. They say, people may forget what you said and what you did, but they never forget how you made them feel.
This 50-year-old president of the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Uganda is the reason why many women who had given up on ever being mothers are now bouncing babies on their knees, and that is not something one ever forgets. What a loss to the nation!
This man could have had three more decades of service in him, but well, God chose to call him home at this time. To his family, including Dr Jim Spire Ssentongo, may God alone heal you.
To the countless women that were touched by his gifted hands, may you find comfort in knowing God sent Dr Kiggundu here possibly just for you!
To a nation short of compassionate, dedicated professionals, may another Dr Kiggundu rise from the ashes, because as the Bible says, our God always has another seven thousand prophets that have not bowed to Baal.
Rest in eternal peace, Dr John Spire Kiggundu.