By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 23, 2026
The body of Ugandan TikToker Timothy Kayanja, popularly known as Jayden, has arrived in Uganda from India, a week after his death following a prolonged battle with sickle cell disease and aplastic anaemia.
Jayden’s remains arrived at Entebbe International Airport at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, where they were received by family members, friends and other mourners.
The arrival was marked by emotional scenes as mourners gathered to receive the casket before it was transported to Kampala.
A Plus Funeral Management took charge of the remains, while a team from TMR International Hospital was also present. The hospital had been involved in Jayden’s treatment and his preparations for specialised medical care in India.
The body was later transported from Entebbe to Nakulabye, where mourners were expected to gather on Tuesday evening.
Jayden’s treatment in India
Jayden had travelled to India for a bone marrow transplant after years of living with sickle cell disease.
His condition later worsened after he developed aplastic anaemia, a disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.
His medical condition prompted a major fundraising campaign involving friends, fellow content creators and well-wishers, who helped raise money for his specialised treatment abroad.
In July, Jayden underwent the long-awaited bone marrow procedure, which was reported to have been successful.
However, his condition deteriorated in the weeks that followed. He was later admitted to intensive care before his death in India.
Funeral programme
The family has released a funeral programme outlining the arrangements for Jayden’s final journey.
Mourners will hold a vigil at St Kizito Catholic Church in Namungoona on Tuesday evening.
A requiem Mass will be held at the same church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23. After the service, Jayden’s body will be transported to Sala Village in Wakiso District, where another vigil will be held on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, September 24, mourners will gather for another requiem Mass at Sala Village at 10 a.m.
Jayden will then be laid to rest at his ancestral burial grounds at 4 p.m.
Jayden’s life and online following
Jayden built a sizeable following on TikTok through his humorous content, becoming known to many Ugandans by his online name rather than his real name.
His public health struggle later became the focus of a wider campaign as Ugandans, fellow content creators and well-wishers rallied to support his treatment.
His death in India brought an end to a prolonged medical journey that had included years of living with sickle cell disease, the development of aplastic anaemia and a bone marrow transplant.
The family is now preparing to lay him to rest in Uganda following the return of his remains.