The Ugandan squash community is in mourning following the passing of Derek Augustine Banyu Musinguzi, a veteran player and coach whose influence shaped the sport for decades. He was 73.
Banyu died of heart failure on November 6, 2026, after spending time in the intensive care unit at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from players, coaches and administrators who credit him with nurturing talent and keeping the game alive in the country.
A life devoted to the court
For many in the fraternity, Banyu was more than a competitor. He was a mentor who guided young players, a steady presence at local tournaments and a custodian of the sport's traditions. His career spanned decades, during which he earned respect not only for his skill but for his generosity in passing on knowledge to the next generation.
Friends and colleagues gathered on Sunday for a vigil at Omuka Restaurant in Naguru, where stories of his dedication and warmth were shared. A church service followed on Monday at All Saints Church, Nakasero, drawing teammates, former students and family members.
He was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Kabale-Kumbura.
Tributes from the fraternity
During the requiem service, fellow veteran squash player Augustine Lusiba remembered Banyu as a special person whose impact extended well beyond the court.
"He was a special person," Lusiba said, reflecting on a friendship and rivalry that spanned many years. The sentiment was echoed by others in attendance, who described Banyu as a pillar of the squash community and a man whose quiet commitment helped sustain the sport through difficult periods.
His death comes as Uganda's squash scene continues to work toward greater visibility and participation. Those who knew Banyu say his legacy will live on in the players he coached and the standards he set.
A lasting legacy
Banyu's passing is a significant loss for Ugandan sport, which has lost a figure who bridged generations. Former students recall his patience, his eye for detail and his insistence on discipline, qualities that produced some of the country's most promising players.
As the fraternity prepares to honour his memory, attention is turning to how best to preserve his contribution. Colleagues have suggested that future tournaments and training programmes could carry his name, ensuring that new players learn about the man who gave so much to the game.
For now, the focus is on supporting his family and celebrating a life well lived. Banyu is survived by family members and a wide circle of friends and sporting colleagues who will remember him as a gentleman of the court.
