Ugandan boy dies at Disney World
Agnes Bamuwamye, her four-year-old son lying in a nearby casket, searched for comfort in the words of a familiar hymn.
By Ron Devli
Agnes Bamuwamye, her four-year-old son lying in a nearby casket, searched for comfort in the words of a familiar hymn.
“When you can’t understand His plan, trust His heart,†the grieving mother sang on Saturday, said those at an emotional funeral service in Sellersville on June 18.
Daudi I. Bamuwamye was stricken June 13 while aboard the Mission: Space ride at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park in Orlando, Florida and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Mission Space spins riders in giant centrifuge that subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity. It simulates G-forces experienced by astronauts. Daudi lost consciousness although the sheriffs office said he met the 44-inch height requirement for the ride.
Coincidentally, Daudi, a bright child who was mature for his age, aspired to be an astronaut.
The Bamuwamye family of Sellersville remained secluded on Saturday. A total of 500 people turned up for the funeral service in Bethel Baptist Church, Sellersville. A funeral procession of 102 cars escorted the hearse to Sellersville Cemetery, where Daudi was buried.
The tragedy struck deep into the heart of a close-knit African community in suburban Philadelphia. The Bamuwamyes, who emigrated from Uganda, are members of the African Christian Fellowship, in Philadelphia. In tribute, many women wore colourful African dresses to the funeral.
“It’s a sign of respect,†said Omua Ahonkhai of Nigeria, a University of Pennsylvania student wearing a bronze-and-black print and matching headdress. “Daudi was one of our little brothers.â€
Daudi travelled extensively with his parents. His father, Moses L. Bamuwamye, works at the UN in New York. Those at the service said Daudi’s mother recalled how he wanted to give all his toys to children he met on a trip to Africa.
“It was very, very touching,†said Ben Wakiro of Philadelphia, who attended Eastern University with the boy’s father. “When you consider the age of the child, it made it even more profound.â€
Pastor Tony Hart of Montco Bible Fellowship in Lansdale, where the family worships, delivered the eulogy.
The programme of prayer and special music included the popular Luganda hymn, Tukutendereza Yesu - (We praise you, Jesus).
The Bamuwamyes are strong believers, King said, and their faith lent an uplifting tone to the service. “We sent little Daudi home to the Lord,†the pastor said.
At one point in the service Agnes Bamuwamye recalled how her son would ask her to sing, said family friend Natasha Downing. He’d tell her how he loved the song, then shower her with hugs and kisses. She didn’t know it, but she was storing them up for the future,†said Downing, a North Wales choir director.
“Now, she can live on all the hugs and kisses he gave her.â€
Agnes Bamuwamye, her four-year-old son lying in a nearby casket, searched for comfort in the words of a familiar hymn.
“When you can’t understand His plan, trust His heart,†the grieving mother sang on Saturday, said those at an emotional funeral service in Sellersville on June 18.
Daudi I. Bamuwamye was stricken June 13 while aboard the Mission: Space ride at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park in Orlando, Florida and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Mission Space spins riders in giant centrifuge that subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity. It simulates G-forces experienced by astronauts. Daudi lost consciousness although the sheriffs office said he met the 44-inch height requirement for the ride.
Coincidentally, Daudi, a bright child who was mature for his age, aspired to be an astronaut.
The Bamuwamye family of Sellersville remained secluded on Saturday. A total of 500 people turned up for the funeral service in Bethel Baptist Church, Sellersville. A funeral procession of 102 cars escorted the hearse to Sellersville Cemetery, where Daudi was buried.
The tragedy struck deep into the heart of a close-knit African community in suburban Philadelphia. The Bamuwamyes, who emigrated from Uganda, are members of the African Christian Fellowship, in Philadelphia. In tribute, many women wore colourful African dresses to the funeral.
“It’s a sign of respect,†said Omua Ahonkhai of Nigeria, a University of Pennsylvania student wearing a bronze-and-black print and matching headdress. “Daudi was one of our little brothers.â€
Daudi travelled extensively with his parents. His father, Moses L. Bamuwamye, works at the UN in New York. Those at the service said Daudi’s mother recalled how he wanted to give all his toys to children he met on a trip to Africa.
“It was very, very touching,†said Ben Wakiro of Philadelphia, who attended Eastern University with the boy’s father. “When you consider the age of the child, it made it even more profound.â€
Pastor Tony Hart of Montco Bible Fellowship in Lansdale, where the family worships, delivered the eulogy.
The programme of prayer and special music included the popular Luganda hymn, Tukutendereza Yesu - (We praise you, Jesus).
The Bamuwamyes are strong believers, King said, and their faith lent an uplifting tone to the service. “We sent little Daudi home to the Lord,†the pastor said.
At one point in the service Agnes Bamuwamye recalled how her son would ask her to sing, said family friend Natasha Downing. He’d tell her how he loved the song, then shower her with hugs and kisses. She didn’t know it, but she was storing them up for the future,†said Downing, a North Wales choir director.
“Now, she can live on all the hugs and kisses he gave her.â€