By Spy Uganda
The world of cardiology and Uganda’s diaspora community in Australia are mourning the passing of Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi, a reputed cardiologist who made significant contributions in the field of heart health. However, the doctor’s legacy is not without controversy as he was tried for the murder of his wife, Robinah Kiyingi, back in 2005.
Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi’s journey to becoming a respected cardiologist began in Uganda. He was an elite student at Kings College Budo before meeting his wife Robinah Kiyingi at Makerere University, where they were both studying. They got married in 1977 and shortly after, during the oppressive regime of Idi Amin, they relocated to Kenya and later moved to Australia in 1981.
While in Australia, Dr. Kiyingi pursued specialized training in renowned international institutions and rose to become a respected heart specialist. The couple acquired substantial property both in Uganda and Australia, and established a significant company, Dehezi International Ltd, based in Kampala, where Robinah Kiyingi served as a director.
Despite their shared success, the Kiyingis’ marriage experienced severe turbulence. Over time, the couple developed irreconcilable differences that led to constant disagreements, fights, and neglect. Robinah Kiyingi returned to Uganda five years before her death, pulling out of Dehezi International Ltd to establish her private legal practice. Despite attempts by family members and influential individuals to reconcile the couple, their relationship continued to deteriorate.
In 2003, Dr. Kiyingi initiated divorce proceedings in Uganda, which Robinah challenged, instead opting to file for divorce in Australia, where she believed her property interests would be better protected. This move allegedly enraged Dr. Kiyingi, who reportedly threatened that his wife would lose everything.
On July 11, 2005, Robinah Kiyingi was cruelly murdered. She was found in her car, sprayed with bullets. The killers fled the scene, leaving behind their weapon. The murder, which bore similarities with several other unresolved cases, shocked the nation. Robinah Kiyingi, a prominent city lawyer and acting chairperson of Transparency International, was a respected figure in the community.
Following the murder, Dr. Kiyingi, his friend Charles Berwanaho, and a police officer named Mugisha Bob, were arrested and charged with murder. Dr. Kiyingi’s trial was marked by high drama, with his children testifying against him in court. However, the case collapsed, and Dr. Kiyingi was acquitted of the murder charges.
Despite the controversy surrounding his life, Dr. Kiyingi made significant contributions to the field of cardiology and impacted many lives through his philanthropic work. He was known for providing Ugandan schools, churches, and local administrations with computers and introducing internet services and education to the country.
However, his legacy remains tainted by the unresolved murder case of his wife and the subsequent trials. Dr. Kiyingi’s death has brought back memories of this tragic chapter in his life, reminding us that even the most accomplished lives can be overshadowed by controversy.
