A 26-year-old Ugandan student studying at Strathmore University in Kenya has died in Nairobi after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest following an injury sustained during a rugby match.

The deceased, identified as Hamza Muhaise, was a final-year student at the Kenyan university and his sudden death has left family, friends and the rugby community in shock.

According to a death announcement released on behalf of his family, Muhaise passed away at around 2:30am on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The family statement indicated that the young student suffered cardiac arrest after sustaining an injury while participating in a rugby match.

“Hamza suffered cardiac arrest following an injury reportedly sustained during a rugby match,” the family announcement stated.

Muhaise was the firstborn son of CPA Haruna Musinguzi, the Director of Finance at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

News of his death quickly spread across Uganda and Kenya, attracting messages of condolence from people who knew him as a hardworking student and passionate rugby player.

Members of the rugby fraternity in both countries expressed sadness over the loss of the young player whose life was cut short at the age of 26.

The Hippos Fans Club joined others in mourning Muhaise, saying the rugby community was standing with his family during the difficult period.

The supporters’ group revealed that the Kenya Rugby Union observed a minute of silence before its Round One matches in honour of the deceased.

Uganda Rugby was also expected to pay tribute to Muhaise before the Uganda Under-20 Test match against Zimbabwe at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

Friends, teammates and supporters described Muhaise as a promising young sportsman whose passion for rugby earned him respect among fellow players.

His death has created a wave of grief among university colleagues and members of the sporting community who interacted with him.

Many mourners remembered him as a dedicated student who balanced his academic journey with his love for rugby.

The circumstances surrounding the injury and how it later resulted in cardiac arrest were not immediately provided by the family.

However, the announcement confirmed that his death occurred after complications believed to have followed the rugby-related injury.

Tributes continued pouring in from both Uganda and Kenya as people celebrated Muhaise’s life and sent messages of comfort to his relatives.

His passing has also highlighted the risks athletes sometimes face while participating in competitive sports.

Family members, friends and colleagues have continued to gather to support his father and other relatives during the mourning period.

Muhaise’s burial was scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 15, at the ancestral home of the late Mpeeka Sulaiman in Kakooge, Buhima, Kikuube district.

The family said relatives and friends had joined CPA Haruna Musinguzi in mourning the loss of his firstborn son.

The death of the young Ugandan student has left a lasting impact on those who knew him, with the rugby community continuing to honour his memory.