TRIBUTE | CELEBRATING | LIFE

The admirable qualities that people possess are usually bequeathed to them by their parents. 

That comes to mind as we admire the wonderful character and achievements of Canon Dr John Senyonyi, ambassador Henry Mayega, Eng. Moses Kulabako, Wilberforce Kyambadde, Peter Nyombi (RIP), Elizabeth Nyombi, Deborah Namayega, Miriam Nabulime Kajubi, Timothy Sekirayi and their other siblings. 

We get obliged to pay tribute to their mother, the late Maama Efulansi Nabisalu Kajubi, who, together with her husband, Eriakimu Nyombi Kajja, raised them well and successfully passed over to them all the qualities that have enabled them to make a significant contribution to Uganda and humanity. 

Maama Kajja, who died from natural causes in December last year, was acknowledged as a strong woman, a dedicated and loving housewife, who exhibited high ethical standards in marriage, family and parenting life. 

The flowery attributes of Maama Kajja were highlighted by her children, grandchildren, in-laws, religious leaders, relatives and friends during her funeral at her home in Nakasongola. 

Sarah Nakirayi Nsubuga (a granddaughter) referred to her as “the best grandmother with a heart of gold that was filled with love.”

“She had a great sense of humour. She loved story-telling, and conversations. She enjoyed listening to our conversations and would smile every time we said something funny. 

She was a brilliant woman of few words. She had a sharp memory. She would remember everything. We inherited her wisdom. We are sad that grandmother has gone. However, we are happy that she got saved. So, we have the consolation we shall meet her again in heaven,” Nakirayi said. 

Timothy Sekirayi, a son, said his mother lived a full life and was happy she had died at the ripe age of 90. 

The Rev. Canon Dr Senyonyi eulogises his mother. With him are his siblings.

“Maama was a social person, a uniting factor, who brought together all the members of the family. She was a hardworking woman, a brilliant leader with a positive attitude. 

Her sense of judgement was deep that she always had a quick solution to any challenge or question. She believed in excellence, which is why she was stylish. 

She used to dye her hair. We first saw her grey hair after the death of our father. When we asked her why she had refrained from dyeing the hair, she told us she was doing it to impress our father, after whose death she no longer had the reason to dye.” 

“Maama was an entrepreneur. She had a modest education, but banking on the work ethic she inherited from our grandfather, she became a hands-on woman, who juggled various trades and successfully educated us. She would grow food, cash crops and also make handcrafts,” Sekirayi said. 

Eng. Kulabako also spoke warmly of his mother, whom she said, enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren. 

“She was always happy to see her children and grandchildren. Every time we had a family gathering, she would prepare special dishes. She would make everybody happy. She promoted unity. 

She was a prayerful woman. I used to call her during the night and we would pray together. She was a committed mother and housewife. In 2014, together with our late father, she was given a certificate of exemplary marriage from St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University,” engineer Kulabako recalled. 

Lawyer Andrew Nyombi, a grandson, made mourners laugh when he said his grandmother told him to always introduce his fiancée before addressing people. 

So, he called Milly Aine (his wife-to-be) and introduced her to the people. Nyombi said she was one of the greatest people he had ever met. 

Kajja (centre) with her son Mayega (right) and her daughter-in-law Dr Mayega. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

“Our grandmother had too much love for everybody. If all people were like her, this world would be a better place,” he said. 

Wilberforce Kyambadde, a son, said his mother taught them honesty. “She detested liars. She cherished honesty and clear judgment,” Kyambadde said. 

Mayega said his mother did not entertain political extremism. 

The Rev. Canon Dr John Senyonyi paid tribute to his mother for her commitment to their education, the development of their family and the institution of family. Mrs. Juliana Nyombi, who spoke on behalf of the daughters-in-law, lauded Maama Kajja for her free/ friendly disposition, which gave them so much freedom that they ceased to feel like in-laws and became like her biological children. 

Maama Kajja’s funeral service was presided over by Canon Justus Miranda, who spoke highly of her devotion to fellowship.

Fact file  

Maama Efulansi Nabisalu Kajja was born on January 1, 1933. Married Eriakimu Nyombi Kajja in 1953. She became an active member of the Mothers Union.

Children  

• Elizabeth Nyombi 
• Peter Nyombi (RIP), married to Mrs. Juliana Nyombi 
• The Rev. Canon Dr John Senyonyi, married to Canon Dr Ruth Nantege Senyonyi lSarah Nanyonyi (deceased) lPatrick Kyeyune (deceased)
• Wilberforce Kyambadde, married to Mrs. Barbara Kyambadde
• Deborah Namayega Kibuuka, married to Charles Kibuuka 
• Ambassador Henry Mayega, married to Dr Florence Nakayiwa Mayega 
• Miriam Nabulime Kajubi, married to Dan Kajubi lRose (deceased)
• Eng. Moses Kulabako, married to Eng. Dr Robinah Kulabako
• Michael Kawuba (deceased) l Timothy Sekirayi is married to Mrs. Cathy Sekirayi. She also had over 90 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great, greatgrandchildren. 

She got saved in 1985. On November 16, 2014, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University granted Efulansi and her husband a meritorious certificate for their outstanding performance in the spheres of marriage, family and parenting life.