Ugandan doctor killed in US accident mourned

Josh Dombo (R) with his father Moses Dombo on his wedding day in the US recently. Courtesy photo

What you need to know:

RIP. Dr Josh Dombo, 30, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on July 16 and was buried yesterday in the US.

Kampala. Death has robbed Butaleja of a scholar and doctor in Physical Therapy, Dr Josh Dombo, an American of Ugandan origin.
Dombo was knocked off his Yamaha motorcycle last weekend by a 16-year-old male driver of a Ford pickup truck, who was evading police in King George County, Virginia, USA.
He eventually died at Mary Washington Hospital later that Saturday evening. The teenager was taken into custody at the scene by the King George County Sheriff’s Office. He has since been charged with homicide and one felony count of eluding police.
Mr Nathan Mugoya, a cousin of the deceased, described Dr Dombo as a leader, an academic and a philanthropist.
“With Dr Dombo gone, Butaleja has lost a leader who could relate to and energise those who were disillusioned. He was passionate about helping people,” said Mr Mugoya.

Mr Emmanuel Dombo, former MP for Bunyole East, described his late nephew thus: “In his death, the village has lost a team leader, a doctor, an enterprising person, a theologian and an inspiration for others in Kachonga village, Naweyo Sub-county, Butaleja District. We shall have a vigil in the village and a service that will be followed by prayers at the father’s home in Mukono to encourage ourselves and strengthen one another,” Mr Dombo said on Friday.
His friends have since taken to his Facebook page to share their memories of him. “His keen spiritual insight, patience, and understanding inspired everyone, he easily connected with every average person - the teens, the union members and Christians - he was passionate about helping people and they finally had someone to voice their opinion,” read one post.

A statement on Facebook further read, “Josh’s deep faith and commitment were evident to all who knew him. Keen spiritual insight, patience, and understanding inspired his every encounter. People sensed Josh’s inner peace and joy because he had extra. He manifested his quiet confidence with a healing touch, bright smile, and welcoming heart. Energy and enthusiasm were the perfect counterpoint to his calm, gentle spirit. He was at home everywhere. His life impacted many during such a brief stay,”
His father, Mr Moses Dombo, wrote: “As a family, we are heartbroken by the untimely death of our son.”
A celebration of Life worship service was scheduled for yesterday (Saturday) at Huguenot Road Baptist Church in Virginia the burial was expected later in the same area.

Who was Dr Dombo?

Dr Josh Dombo was born in Kachonga village, Naweyo Sub-county, Butaleja District. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 2002.
According to Mr Emmanuel Dombo, former MP for Bunyole East and also uncle of the deceased, Dr Dombo, who has been a member of a wide family in Uganda and the US, went to Shimoni Primary School, joined Kiira College Butiki, before going to America to further his studies at the University of Virginia.
He graduated from Oakton High School in Fairfax, VA; received his B.S. in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA; and earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hampton University in Hampton, VA.

Dr Dombo, 30, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on July 16. He is survived by wife Anna Maples Dombo; parents Moses and Jessica Dombo; and his immediate siblings Esther Nabwire, Mercy Nesiho, Brenda Mugoya, Sarah Nahire, Mary Namugosa, and Emmanuel Mugoya.
“At the time of his death, he was working as a certified physical therapist at Westmoreland Rehab and Healthcare in Colonial Beach, VA,” said Mr Dombo.