By Ian Ortega
When they speak of old money, then Crescent Baguma is one of those Ugandans that fit the definition. In 1992 AM general begun producing a civilian version of trucks and SUVs that had been previously used in military fields.
Crescent Baguma would become the first Ugandan to procure a Hummer in 1995. His Hummer arrived in 1996 and it took the whole country by storm. Never before had a car of a similar kind been witnessed by this country ravaged by war, poverty and disease.
The rich Baguma loved his cars but he also loved his speed. Little wonder he was to die by his favourite toy doing what he loved best—racing to Fort Portal.
His home in Fort Portal was also home to fallen Libyan President, Muammar Gadaffi when he visited the Queen Mother of Tooro for five days. No better house could suit this purpose in the whole country.
At the time of his death, Baguma had set himself a goal of driving from Kampala to Fort Portal in less than two hours.
It is sad that in the wee hours of the night, his vehicle collided with an Army Vehicle at Kyegegwa. The Army vehicle had faulty lights and was over-speeding.
Fort Portal has lost a man who despite his wealth, his humility had instead increased and was a friend to many.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.