An elderly man who travelled from Kapchorwa District to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday died after collapsing at a food stall in Wantoni.

The deceased, identified as Tikeeni Sepelia, 92, reportedly collapsed Tuesday evening shortly after eating at a popular roadside eatery locally known as “Toninyira.”

According to witnesses, Sepelia had travelled with a group to attend the inauguration ceremony in Kololo Independence Grounds before they were dropped off in Wantoni later in the evening. Feeling hungry after the journey, he stopped at the food stall for a meal. Witnesses say he consumed a few mouthfuls before suddenly collapsing moments later.

Efforts to rush him to hospital were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. The incident shocked residents of Wantoni, with local leaders calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Wantoni Village Chairperson Ssalongo. Moses Nyombi described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the deceased had just participated in a national celebration before losing his life unexpectedly.

Area councillor Ritah Nandyose said residents want an independent investigation to establish whether the death was linked to food safety concerns or an underlying medical condition.

Some residents also raised concerns about hygiene standards at informal roadside food stalls, especially during periods of heavy traffic and public gatherings.

Officers from Mukono Police Station responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and transferred the body to Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.