Glowing tributes paid to Dr. Ndyanabangi at funeral

PIC: Jenina Nasimolo spoke on behalf of the Dr. Ndyanabangi's family during her funeral service at All Saints' Cathedral in Kampala on Monday. (Credit: Ramadhan Abbey)

FUNERAL

KAMPALA - The late Dr. Sheila Ndyanabangi has been described as a exceptional health worker who served with passion as a medical practitioner.

At the time of her death aged 62 on Friday, she was the principal medical officer in charge of mental health and substance abuse at the health ministry.

Health minister Dr. Ruth Aceng said whatever Ndyanabangi did was for the good of the public.

She is remembered for her efforts to have the Tobacco Control Act. She had also drafted an alcohol policy and pushed for the Mental Health Bill.

Speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to Ndyanabangi during her funeral at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala on Monday.

She was described as a passionate advocate for mentally ill persons.

From left, former director general of health services at the health ministry Dr Sam Zaramba, health ministry PS Dr. Diana Atwine and health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng 

Aceng, underlined that Ndyanabangi was an asset for Uganda's public health.

"We are going to miss her ideas and her smile in the corridors. She was hardworking and committed to her work," she said.

'I am going to miss my wife'

Ndyanabangi passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after losing a two-year battle to cancer.

She will be buried at her ancestral home on Tuesday in Kasheregyenyi Parish, Kamuganguzi sub-county in Kabale district.

Her husband, Dr. Nathan Ndyanabangi, described her as a God-fearing person.

"I am going to miss my wife. She was a pillar in the home . I do not know what we are going to do as a family," he told mourners.

Ndyanabangi is survived by three children -- Kevin Twebaze, Dr. Voctoria Kobusingye and Justine Tuhairwebyona.

The children of the late Dr. Ndyanabangi: From left, Kevin Twebaze, Justine Tuhairwebyona and Dr. Victoria Kobusingye

They described her as a loving and caring mother who always guided them.

"Despite her busy schedule, she put us first," Kobusingye said.

Ndyanabangi was born in family of 11 in 1956 to Musa and Zipora Zaramba of Ruhita-Kabale district.

For her studies, she attended Horby Primary School, Bweranyangi Girls School and Makerere University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Masters degree in Public Health.

She worked at Mulago and Butabika hospitals as a medical officer, senior medical officer, child health and mental health at the health ministry.

Among other roles, Ndyanabangi also served as Diocesan President of Mothers Unions of Kampala diocese and was also ordained Lay Canon at All Saints Cathedral.

From left, Dr Bonnet Ndyanabangi, Dr Nathan Ndyanabangi (widower) and Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile and his wife during the funeral service

The tent outside was filled to capacity

Dr. Ndyanabangi's casket was wheeled out of the church after the funeral service

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Stanley Ntagali, said Dr. Ndyanabangi has been very faithful and committed to her work like a true Christian, and urged everyone to embrace her deeds.