TAKEAWAYS

• Jayden travelled to India with his mother and brother for a bone marrow transplant.
• Shalom says more than Shs70 million may be needed for hospital bills, repatriation and related expenses.
• A vigil is underway in Wakiso as friends and family await the repatriation and burial arrangements.

Media personality Shalom Kaweesi has opened up about the death of TikToker Jayden, who passed away in India after battling sickle cell disease.

Jayden had travelled to India with his mother and brother for a bone marrow transplant, a journey that had attracted significant public attention and support.

According to Shalom, Jayden appeared to have responded well to the procedure and was considered to have healed completely. However, he reportedly experienced relapses as his body adjusted to the changes following the transplant.

Shalom said the family is now facing major financial challenges as they work to bring Jayden’s body back to Uganda.

“The hospital still demands about Shs20 million,” Shalom said.

He explained that additional money is needed for repatriation, travel and other expenses for those who have been caring for Jayden. According to his estimate, the family could require more than Shs70 million to complete the process.

Shalom also revealed that a vigil is currently being held in Wakiso, with more details about the burial expected to be communicated later.

He appealed to musician Bebe Cool, whom he said was instrumental in starting Jayden’s journey, to come to the family’s aid. He also appealed to the government to consider a state funeral for the young TikToker.

Shalom further claimed that Jayden had previously expressed reservations about travelling to India for the procedure and had instead asked well-wishers to use the money to build a house for his mother.

He recalled that when Jayden was first mistakenly reported dead, the TikToker went live and said he was still alive. Shalom said Jayden had also spoken about a day when he would unexpectedly be announced dead.

The news eventually came on Tuesday around midnight.

Shalom said friends delayed announcing the death because they needed time to process the loss.

May Jayden’s soul rest in eternal peace.