📷 Princess Bagaya at 88: family and friends celebrate an icon

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In breaking away from the practice of celebrating the life of loved ones, people, once they have passed away, friends and some members of the Toro Kingdom royal family on Saturday, March 20, 2024, in Kampala held a thanksgiving prayer and dinner to celebrate the life and legacy of Princess Elizabeth Bagaya at 88 years. 

She was celebrated for her hard work and humility in serving Uganda and the Toro Kingdom throughout her career and life.

Bagaaya born on February 9, 1936, in Kabarole district, in Uganda, grew up to become a top lawyer, Ugandan diplomat, model and actress known for the 1984 movie Sheena and 1971’s Things Fall Apart.

The Nabagereka of Buganda, Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda (left) with Princess Elizabeth Akiiki Bagaaya during the thanksgiving service to celebrate the legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Bagaaya at Namirembe Cathedral on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Bagaya was the first woman from East Africa to be admitted to the English Bar. She was also the first black model to have been given a spread in the American Vogue Magazine in 1968 and the first black model to appear on the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine, opening doors for other black women.

The Nabagereka of Buganda, Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda (left) and Princess Elizabeth Akiiki Bagaaya in consultation during the thanksgiving service to celebrate the legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Bagaaya at Namirembe Cathedral on Saturday April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“When a lot has been achieved, it’s easy to forget God,” said the Rt Reverend Bishop Reuben Kisembo, the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, who was the co-celebrant of the thanksgiving prayer at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe.

He says even if someone has accomplished a lot, is highly educated and developed they shouldn’t forget God. Bishop Kisembo asked Bagaaya as a friend to hold a similar service in Toro, to celebrate her life and legacy with her people.

The Rev. Moses Banja, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, was the main celebrant of the thanksgiving prayer.

Princess Elizabeth Akiiki Bagaaya (2nd left), The Nabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda (3rd right), members of the clergy led by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Rt.Reverand Bishop Moses Banja (4th left) and other family members in a group photo after the thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral Namirembe on Saturday April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Friends, family and royals prayed for a long life so that the Princess could continue serving the Kingdom and Uganda, more so the young people as a role model, even in the twilight of her life. 

Princess Elizabeth Akiiki Bagaaya (right) welcoming Her Royal Highness the Nabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda (middle) as the Minister of State for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo (left) looks on. This was at the dinner to celebrate the life and legacy of Princess Bagaaya at Serena Kampala Hotel on Saturday April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Princess Elizabeth Akiiki Bagaaya cutting cake with some of the diginitories and family members during the Banquet at Serena Hotel Kampala-Victoria Ball Room on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Notable guests at the thanksgiving prayer and the dinner at the Serena Hotel Victoria ballroom included the Queen of Buganda, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, royals from other cultural institutions in Uganda and Bagaya’s nieces, nephews and other family relations.