She exposed the plight of orphans in the diaspora
Jun 17, 2007
IN her character, there was an element that demanded affection. She was a character worthy of imitation. But death has let her slip through life as she had lived it — faithfully. <br>
By Robie Kakonge
IN her character, there was an element that demanded affection. She was a character worthy of imitation. But death has let her slip through life as she had lived it — faithfully.
It is natural to look back on her life and draw comfort from what she has done during her earthly voyage spanning 58 years.
Elizabeth Betty Katana, a renowned enterprising woman, breathed her last on March 21 at Nairobi Hospital, five days shy of her 58th birthday.
She desired to be useful in every cause and this is what made her life worthy. Elizabeth’s deeds touched and changed the lives of those who had a chance to meet her.
She held rights on both sides of life and the hundreds of mourners who escorted her to the final resting place had no doubt she made it safely to her creator.
“In her last minutes, she continuously declared to her visiting friends that she was ready to meet her maker,†ambassador Francis Katana, husband to the deceased, told mourners at All Saints Cathedral. Francis paid tribute to his wife describing her as a mother, friend and spiritually God-fearing person.
One of the hotel industry service pioneers, Katana was the proprietor of Fort Colebs Guest House and Restaurant in Mbarara at the time of her death. She was laid to rest in Ruharo, Mbarara district.
Katana’s vigil, funeral service and burial were thronged by hundreds of crest-fallen mourners. President Yoweri Museveni, who was among the mourners, described Katana as a woman of great strength, character and determination.
To the world, she will be remembered for her efforts in exposing the plight of Ugandan orphans in the diaspora. She was an active member of Uganda Women Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO).
Condolence messages from the Ugandan community in Washington described the deceased as a saint who loved desolate children and did all in her capacity to help them.
“We remember the wonderful times we had at her home and her culinary skills. She will be greatly missed. We have very fond memories of her,†the message from Washington stated.
While in Washington, she was instrumental in initiating the American UWESO Chapter. She worked with congressional wives to promote Uganda and its orphans and widows.
She was an active member of Nyekundire Group in Mbarara Municipality, a platform she used to support church restoration and revival.
To friends, Katana was a lovely person; kind, humourous and charming.
“All of us who had the privilege of knowing her and becoming her friend will always miss her,†Prince John Barigye mourned his friend.
These words were echoed by the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV: “Ambassador and Mrs. Katana have played a big role of comfort to me and my family since the passing of my father, King Patrick David Olimi Kaboyo.
The prayers we had with her shall remain in our thoughts forever.â€
Katana had a passion for catering, a profession she pursued up to the time of her death.
She was a State House Catering Consultant and served as a tourist attaché at Uganda’s Embassy in Washington.
Earlier in her catering career, she was a training consultant at West View Hotel in West Lands, Nairobi.
She had a stint as a lecturer of Accommodation Operations and Practical Cookery at the Uganda College of Commerce in Nakawa, where she initiated a catering department.
At one time, she also served as assistant manager at Fairway Hotel, Kampala. Ambassador Moses Sebunya described the deceased as a person who was committed to pursuing projects of investment in uplifting the quality of life of her fellow citizens.
Born to Yunia and Owek Lazaro Kamugungunu, Betty was the sixth child in a family of eight children. Her father was a prime minister in Ankole Kingdom.
She completed her Primary Leaving Certificate at Kakoba Demonstration School in Mbarara in 1964. Later, she enrolled at Bweranyangi Girl’s School.
In 1969, she obtained a Cambridge School Certificate after her studies at Nabisunsa Girl’s Secondary School.
Katana was among the pioneer students selected by the Uganda Development Cooperation to study hotel management and work with Uganda hotels.
In 1972, she graduated from High Peak College of further Education in Buxton, United Kingdom with a National Diploma in Hotel and Catering Operations. She then returned to Uganda and worked for Uganda Hotels.
According to Freda Rutega, her elder sister, the deceased never gave up on anything she set out to accomplish.
Elizabeth walked down the isle with Francis Katana in 1973.
The couple worked in Kampala, until 1981 when they fled into exile to Kenya. As a mother, Betty’s love will be irreplaceable not only to their child Robinah, but to many others whom she had fostered in their home.
BIOGRAPHY
Born: 1950 to Yunia and Owek Lazaro
Primary education: Kakoba Demonstration School
Secondary education: Bweranyangi Girls’ School and Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School
College: Diploma in Hotel and Catering Operations from High Peak College of Further Education in Buton, UK.
Proprietor of Fort Portal Guest House and Restaurant
State House Catering consultant
Tourist attache, Uganda Embassy in Washington
Training consultant, West View Hotel in Westlands Nairobi
Lecturer of Accommodation Operations and Practical Cookery, Uganda College Of Commerce, Nakawa
Assistant manager, Fairway Hotel, Kampala
Trainer manager, Uganda Hotels Headquarters
Married Francis Katana on August 11, 1973 in Ruharo, Mbarara
Initiated the American UWESO Chapter of Nyekundire Group, Mbarara Municipality
Died: March 21, 2007 at Nairobi Hospital.
TRIBUTES
Betty will be remembered here for bringing the awareness of Ugandan orphans to the Ugandan and US communities. She was an active member of UWESO, during her stay in Washington. Her love and care for the desolate children have challenged many to look out and take care of orphans. We remember also the wonderful times at your home and her culinary skills. She will be greatly missed.
Norman and Ann Karasanyl, on behalf of the Washington community
We have very fond memories of her, particularly during our years together in Ottawa, Canada. I still crave those delicious kebabs (which she renamed ‘hima puffs’) that she used to make.
Derrick and Irene Rwetsiba and family. Washington D.C.
I cannot express the deep sorrow I felt when I learnt of the most tragic death of Betty. What a loss. What a tragedy. Betty was such a lovely person, always very kind, very humours and very charming. All of us who had the privilege of knowing her and becoming her friend will always miss her.
Prince John Barigye
The gap she has left in my life, as a friend cannot be filled. Betty, you will be truly missed. May God grant her soul eternal peace and rest.
Mrs. Alice Kakwano, a friend
Ambassador and Mrs. Katana have played a big role of comfort to me and my family
since the passing of my late father, King Patrick David Olmi Kaboyo ill. The prayers we
had with her, shall remain in our thoughts forever. Please accept on my behalf, that of the Queen Mother, Princess Nsemere and all the people of Tooro Kingdom, that you have been close to, our heartfelt condolences.
His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, King of Tooro Kingdom
As director at Uganda Investment Authority, I met and came to know Betty as a lady committed to pursuing projects of investment in uplifting the quality of life of her fellow citizens. I am sure her soul will rest in peace.
Ambassador Moses Sebunya, Libya
No place is perfect and no people more beautiful than others. Yet, the places we love and the people we know are always special. Aunt Betty, you are extremely special.
I tried to recall all the shared memories over the years, and I am drowning in grief, because you are still very much needed to love and direct us on this unpredictable journey called life, and yet at a time like this I have been reminded to be thankful for the short time we spent together, and say not in grief she is no more, but live in thankfulness that she was.
Aunt, your joy for life transmitted wherever you took your smile, and the sparkle in those unforgettable eyes.
Your zeal and your love for your creator made us want to live and become better human beings.
Goodbye aunt, when you get there give us a smile back.
Flora Rutega (niece)
IN her character, there was an element that demanded affection. She was a character worthy of imitation. But death has let her slip through life as she had lived it — faithfully.
It is natural to look back on her life and draw comfort from what she has done during her earthly voyage spanning 58 years.
Elizabeth Betty Katana, a renowned enterprising woman, breathed her last on March 21 at Nairobi Hospital, five days shy of her 58th birthday.
She desired to be useful in every cause and this is what made her life worthy. Elizabeth’s deeds touched and changed the lives of those who had a chance to meet her.
She held rights on both sides of life and the hundreds of mourners who escorted her to the final resting place had no doubt she made it safely to her creator.
“In her last minutes, she continuously declared to her visiting friends that she was ready to meet her maker,†ambassador Francis Katana, husband to the deceased, told mourners at All Saints Cathedral. Francis paid tribute to his wife describing her as a mother, friend and spiritually God-fearing person.
One of the hotel industry service pioneers, Katana was the proprietor of Fort Colebs Guest House and Restaurant in Mbarara at the time of her death. She was laid to rest in Ruharo, Mbarara district.
Katana’s vigil, funeral service and burial were thronged by hundreds of crest-fallen mourners. President Yoweri Museveni, who was among the mourners, described Katana as a woman of great strength, character and determination.
To the world, she will be remembered for her efforts in exposing the plight of Ugandan orphans in the diaspora. She was an active member of Uganda Women Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO).
Condolence messages from the Ugandan community in Washington described the deceased as a saint who loved desolate children and did all in her capacity to help them.
“We remember the wonderful times we had at her home and her culinary skills. She will be greatly missed. We have very fond memories of her,†the message from Washington stated.
While in Washington, she was instrumental in initiating the American UWESO Chapter. She worked with congressional wives to promote Uganda and its orphans and widows.
She was an active member of Nyekundire Group in Mbarara Municipality, a platform she used to support church restoration and revival.
To friends, Katana was a lovely person; kind, humourous and charming.
“All of us who had the privilege of knowing her and becoming her friend will always miss her,†Prince John Barigye mourned his friend.
These words were echoed by the King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV: “Ambassador and Mrs. Katana have played a big role of comfort to me and my family since the passing of my father, King Patrick David Olimi Kaboyo.
The prayers we had with her shall remain in our thoughts forever.â€
Katana had a passion for catering, a profession she pursued up to the time of her death.
She was a State House Catering Consultant and served as a tourist attaché at Uganda’s Embassy in Washington.
Earlier in her catering career, she was a training consultant at West View Hotel in West Lands, Nairobi.
She had a stint as a lecturer of Accommodation Operations and Practical Cookery at the Uganda College of Commerce in Nakawa, where she initiated a catering department.
At one time, she also served as assistant manager at Fairway Hotel, Kampala. Ambassador Moses Sebunya described the deceased as a person who was committed to pursuing projects of investment in uplifting the quality of life of her fellow citizens.
Born to Yunia and Owek Lazaro Kamugungunu, Betty was the sixth child in a family of eight children. Her father was a prime minister in Ankole Kingdom.
She completed her Primary Leaving Certificate at Kakoba Demonstration School in Mbarara in 1964. Later, she enrolled at Bweranyangi Girl’s School.
In 1969, she obtained a Cambridge School Certificate after her studies at Nabisunsa Girl’s Secondary School.
Katana was among the pioneer students selected by the Uganda Development Cooperation to study hotel management and work with Uganda hotels.
In 1972, she graduated from High Peak College of further Education in Buxton, United Kingdom with a National Diploma in Hotel and Catering Operations. She then returned to Uganda and worked for Uganda Hotels.
According to Freda Rutega, her elder sister, the deceased never gave up on anything she set out to accomplish.
Elizabeth walked down the isle with Francis Katana in 1973.
The couple worked in Kampala, until 1981 when they fled into exile to Kenya. As a mother, Betty’s love will be irreplaceable not only to their child Robinah, but to many others whom she had fostered in their home.
BIOGRAPHY
Born: 1950 to Yunia and Owek Lazaro
Primary education: Kakoba Demonstration School
Secondary education: Bweranyangi Girls’ School and Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School
College: Diploma in Hotel and Catering Operations from High Peak College of Further Education in Buton, UK.
Proprietor of Fort Portal Guest House and Restaurant
State House Catering consultant
Tourist attache, Uganda Embassy in Washington
Training consultant, West View Hotel in Westlands Nairobi
Lecturer of Accommodation Operations and Practical Cookery, Uganda College Of Commerce, Nakawa
Assistant manager, Fairway Hotel, Kampala
Trainer manager, Uganda Hotels Headquarters
Married Francis Katana on August 11, 1973 in Ruharo, Mbarara
Initiated the American UWESO Chapter of Nyekundire Group, Mbarara Municipality
Died: March 21, 2007 at Nairobi Hospital.
TRIBUTES
Betty will be remembered here for bringing the awareness of Ugandan orphans to the Ugandan and US communities. She was an active member of UWESO, during her stay in Washington. Her love and care for the desolate children have challenged many to look out and take care of orphans. We remember also the wonderful times at your home and her culinary skills. She will be greatly missed.
Norman and Ann Karasanyl, on behalf of the Washington community
We have very fond memories of her, particularly during our years together in Ottawa, Canada. I still crave those delicious kebabs (which she renamed ‘hima puffs’) that she used to make.
Derrick and Irene Rwetsiba and family. Washington D.C.
I cannot express the deep sorrow I felt when I learnt of the most tragic death of Betty. What a loss. What a tragedy. Betty was such a lovely person, always very kind, very humours and very charming. All of us who had the privilege of knowing her and becoming her friend will always miss her.
Prince John Barigye
The gap she has left in my life, as a friend cannot be filled. Betty, you will be truly missed. May God grant her soul eternal peace and rest.
Mrs. Alice Kakwano, a friend
Ambassador and Mrs. Katana have played a big role of comfort to me and my family
since the passing of my late father, King Patrick David Olmi Kaboyo ill. The prayers we
had with her, shall remain in our thoughts forever. Please accept on my behalf, that of the Queen Mother, Princess Nsemere and all the people of Tooro Kingdom, that you have been close to, our heartfelt condolences.
His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, King of Tooro Kingdom
As director at Uganda Investment Authority, I met and came to know Betty as a lady committed to pursuing projects of investment in uplifting the quality of life of her fellow citizens. I am sure her soul will rest in peace.
Ambassador Moses Sebunya, Libya
No place is perfect and no people more beautiful than others. Yet, the places we love and the people we know are always special. Aunt Betty, you are extremely special.
I tried to recall all the shared memories over the years, and I am drowning in grief, because you are still very much needed to love and direct us on this unpredictable journey called life, and yet at a time like this I have been reminded to be thankful for the short time we spent together, and say not in grief she is no more, but live in thankfulness that she was.
Aunt, your joy for life transmitted wherever you took your smile, and the sparkle in those unforgettable eyes.
Your zeal and your love for your creator made us want to live and become better human beings.
Goodbye aunt, when you get there give us a smile back.
Flora Rutega (niece)