Toro Princess Bagaya Kakoko to be buried Friday

By Cecilia Okoth

The grandmother of King Oyo of Toro will be buried at her ancestral home in Buheesi, Kabarole district on Friday.

Agnes Nkwenge Bagaya Kakoko, 90, died from heart failure at her home in Fort Portal on Sunday.

The days following her death have seen glowing tributes continued to flow, with many describing her as friendly, generous and a disciplinarian.

Family members, kingdom officials and friends collected at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero on Wednesday to pray for her.

During the funeral service, many speakers praised the fallen princess, the last child of the first King of Toro, Rukirabasaija Daudi Kasagama.

She was fondly called Mega by many people who knew her closely.

Victoria Sebagereka, who spoke on behalf of the late princess’ children, talked of how their mother treasured friendship.

“Mega was a friend to everyone. She valued friendship and taught us to give everyone equal love and affection,” she said.        

Sebagereka spoke of the unique parenting skills her mother owned, and said she plans to write a book on parenting to celebrate her life.

“Parenting these days is a very big job. I will release a book that will help young mothers attain proper parenting skills.”

For over 50 years, Kakoko battled with pressure and diabetes and often used herbal remedies.

Her friend, Joan Kategaya, described Mega as a beautiful, dignified and elegant woman. “She took me in as a daughter and joined me in Nairobi during exile. But above all, she gave me the greatest advice in life.”

In his sermon, Rev. Sam Rutaikara urged believers to understand life so that when death comes, they will not grieve like those without hope.

“Do not be ignorant about life and death. Take time to think about issues of life,” he preached.

The clergyman also told mourners to desist from linking death to witchcraft and bad luck.

 “We now know how the body works. People simply die. The scriptures say it is appointed for every human to die at one point in time.

“Use this time to write your will, worship God and be good so that when you pass on, you rest in peace,” said Rutaikara.

Kakoko studied at the catholic mission for both kindergarten and primary education and at the time of her death, was survived by 19 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.